Ancient Manuscripts? Srsly?

The Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, commonly referred to as the Matenadaran, is an ancient manuscript repository here in Yerevan. Built by the Soviets, like many other buildings of the same era, it is unquestionably grand and important in appearance. This one sits high on a hill at the northern end of the city--at the top of the street named for Mesrop Mashtots, who is credited with being the first to create alphabets for both Armenian and Georgian.

Close-up of bird motif in the alphabet

Armenian alphabet using in a bird motif

But seriously, would this kind of thing be on your list of the Top Ten things you want to do when you go somewhere? Me either. But then I learned more about it from Americans and others who had been there. I was assured it is a must-see. I will now take over that role and tell you it is a must-see and I am so glad I went. When you come to Yerevan, do not miss the Matenadaran! And be sure to pay a little extra for an English-speaking guide.

The holdings on display are a fraction of the total holdings but they included three large rooms of cases holding such treasures as 5th century gospels, psalters, and homilies. Two of the rooms were reopened after extensive restoration just last week by the President. Talk about excellent timing on our part!

Every book had a Scribe and an Artist

Each of the illustrated manuscripts was the product of two individuals--the artist and the scribe. Never the twain shall meet in one person, apparently, though a very steady hand was required of both.

There was a very interesting display of a petrified document next to a similar one in parchment (goat skin). The restoration program focuses on bindings and on principle does not alter or renew the actual art work or writing in any piece.

An 18th C herbalist's compendium of cures found in the Ararat Valley

In addition to religious texts produced in monasteries, there were many texts on early medicine, including dissection and the use of herbs in treating common maladies. Maps were also displayed. One book of a 5th C mathematician apparently asserts that the world is round, not flat, but he was frustrated by being unable to prove it.

Many of the documents survived or are copies of originals from the 5th C, considered a golden era for Armenia. King Tigran Mets was powerful and respected and the Armenian kingdom stretched between two seas--The Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. Christian monasteries dotted the landscape. Now the Republic of Armenia is landlocked between the two bodies of water, but surrounded by Turkey, Georgia, Azeribaijan, and Iran.

Although much of the work on display was produced before the invention of the printing press, there are early examples of Bibles printed in Armenian in places like Madras (now Chennai), India, in the 16th C. In addition there are donations of ancient manuscripts from virtually every country in the world--from Russia on birch bark, old Korans from Iran on parchment, Indian texts on palm leaves.

For me the  most interesting aspect dealt with the colors the artists used and how they got them. The blues were made with lapis lazuli, greens from copper oxide. In wealthier communities the yellow was real gold. Red was created from the bodies of a red beetle-like insect that is found  in the weeds of grass.

In addition, other plants were used to create ranges of hues for each color. Here is a whole case of examples with closeups of myrtle and lavender leaves. This goes way beyond your basic metal water colors tin.

Time well spent? Srsly.