Esther scroll. [North Africa, 19th century?].
Small format scroll. Inscribed on goatskin parchment. The original text was later re-inked throughout, in a typical North-African script. The original script can be seen in several places, and it appears to be relatively early. The spacing between sections follows the opinion of the Rambam.
The scroll is wound on a folk carved wooden roller.
On the first membrane, before the beginning of the scroll, an inscription in square script: "…the scroll of Queen Esther, merit of Mordechai and Esther…". On the last membrane, at the end of the scroll - ownership inscription in Ladino, followed by another ownership inscription, with a calligraphic signature: "Esther scroll of Moshe Zennou".
10.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Faded ink. Damage to wooden handle.