From the 15th to 19th centuries, prayer scrolls (hmayils) were a favorite item to carry or keep in the home and pass down from generation to generation. Historically, prayer scrolls were used by Armenians and Ethiopians. Scrolls can be quite long and they are either handwritten or printed. Many are illuminated and beautifully decorated with miniatures and calligraphy depicting scriptures, prayers, and spiritual wards. In this video, Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian highlights several examples in our collection along with a few theories about their uses.