Reflections on Rudolf’s perception of the plants and animals of Ethiopia
Hiob Ludolf wrote a composite book in four parts on a new history of Ethiopia. The first part, referred to as Book 1, included information on the plants and animals, based on the narration of
Aba Gorgoryos. The plants that were mentioned, included crops such as tef (considered unique,), wheat, barley rice and oat; grapes; medicinal plants and trees similar to Indian fig trees.The animal parts consisted of four-footed beasts that include domesticated animals (cows, horses and mules); zebras, giraffes; primates (apes), lions & tigers; water dwelling creatures such as hippos, birds and insects.
In the descriptive part dealing with plants, the following comments were given. On grapes, the Abyssinaina have grapes, but never make any wines; on the medicinal plant (a herb) known as Assazoe, Ludolf comments that it protects one from serpents (snakes), and regarding the trees of in Abyssinia, reference was made to similarity to the Indian fig trees. The trees mentioned are muz (banana) and enset, which have no resemblance and unrelated to the fig tree.
The animal parts consisted of what were referred to as four-footed beasts. including domestic animals (cows, horses, mules); primates (apes); zebras and giraffes; lions and tigers, amphibious creatures that live only in the water (hippos), birds, serpents and insects. The animal descriptions are partly illustrated, some of which did not accurately depict the animals as is the case with hippos.
The descriptions of the plants and animals include important information that needs further careful investigation.
400th Anniversary of Hiob Ludolf
Abba Gorgoryos (1595 - 1658)
Hiob Ludolf (1624 - 1704)
Research area
Abba Daniel Assefa
Prof. Shiferaw Bekele
Prof. Sebsebe Demissew
Short Bio of the researchers
A glimpse into the symposium
Introduction to exhibition