Letters & Lore
Ethiopian Bookbinding: The Chain Stitch Tradition That Is Not Quite Coptic
Traditional Ethiopian bookbinding features a distinct chain-stitch technique, often mistaken for Coptic binding, but differentiated by its use of independent threads for each sewing station. This structural choice, combined with durable materials, ensured the longevity of Ethiopia's manuscript heritage.
Aisha Bakri·October 28, 2026
