African Studies Graduate Seminar Series: The Miracles of Mary Texts

Abstract/Overview:

Historically, Africa has been subjected to a Euro-centric narrative that diminishes its contributions and portrays the continent as devoid of any substantial history. Contrastingly, Europe is often positioned as the epicenter of knowledge production, shaping Africa's way of life. This ahistorical revision not only jeopardizes the validity of scholarly pursuits but also influences the formulation of policies. To address this historical misrepresentation, it is imperative to acknowledge Africa's rich history and its valuable contributions to global development. This shift in perspective will lay the foundation for more informed and equitable policies that respect Africa's agency and diversity. Ethiopia stands as a counter-narrative to the prevailing Western perspective on Africans and their role in embracing Christianity. Contrary to the Western account that often associates the introduction of Christianity in Africa with European colonizers, Ethiopia's historical trajectory challenges this narrative. Among Ethiopia's intellectual treasures, the genre of Ethiopic texts known as the Miracles of Mary (TM) has captured the fascination of scholars. These TM manuscripts, constituting a collection of miraculous stories about the Virgin Mary, have been written over a millennium across the globe.

Presenter: 

Dawit Muluneh holds a Masters degree in Ethiopic and Coptic Studies from the Catholic University and is currently a PhD student at Howard University in the Department of African Studies.