678 Report on Shoa [No. 140. 



retrograded from her pristine state, and the great empire of Ethiopia has 

 long since cracked and fallen to pieces. The shadow of a mighty name, 

 the pagans have overrun her fairest provinces. The Christian chiefs 

 of every district madly strive for superiority, and the great horrors 

 of war are only averted by the imbecility of the national character. 

 Still monks and priests and aged men are wantonly put to death. 

 Houses and villages sacked and destroyed, and the stream of oppression 

 rises hot and heavy from every quarter of this distracted country. The 

 property, the liberty, and the reputation of the subject are entirely at 

 the caprice of the ruler, domestic ties and affection are little known 

 or understood ; small comfort is enjoyed in the transactions of private 

 life; the debasing effect of extended slavery holds firm footing upon 

 the mind ; superstition shrouds the land in her thick veil ; and the day 

 seems to be yet far distant, when she shall stretch out her hands to 

 heaven, and be at peace with her Maker. 



169. In arts, in industry, and in moral existence, Abyssinian Shoa 

 remains indeed secluded in a dense cloud of darkness ; her agriculture 

 is the only redeeming feature, but the fertility of the soil is rather 

 to be praised, than any great advances she has hitherto made in the 

 science of husbandry. 



170. Manufactures are restricted to the supply of the most simple 

 wants: a coarse cotton cloth to cover nakedness, a skin of leather 

 to serve as a bed, a mat basket to contain the most necessary food. The 

 gold and silver ornaments are certainly made with some taste, but being 

 solely for the benefit of one individual, cannot be thrown into the balance 

 of the national account, and the little that is understood extraction of the 

 metal from the earth evinces great imperfection of talent. 



and there existing at that time a striking resemblance in many of the customs and 

 laws of the two nations, each giving the title of Deity to their kings. The funerals in 

 either country being performed with equal care and splendour ; the writing in usage 

 being the same in both countries ; and the knowledge of the written character retained 

 solely among those belonging to the priesthood. In both countries there are monaste- 

 ries and religious colleges organized after a similar fashion, and those who are con- 

 secrated to the service of God, are supposed to practice the same rules of abstinence 

 and sanctity ; they are dressed alike, and have shaven heads, their kings wear the same 

 description of robes and ornaments. The hair of the commoners is still dressed after 

 the fashion depicted in the ancient Egyptian designs, and the use of sandals fabrica- 

 ted of leaves, which is recorded in ancient Egyptian story, is to this day extant in 

 Abyssinia. 



