Curator’s Choice: Torah

The scroll is a copy of the Pentateuch and would have originally been used in a synagogue.  It was displayed open in the museum in Kendal Museum in the 1930’s.  The main scroll is on rollers but is now in 2 parts probably due to deterioration while on display.  There is also part of second scroll which is rolled inside the larger.  The longer scroll is 104 feet long and comprises of 80 sheep and goat skins. 

There is a question to its acquisition as an old label states that it was acquired at Shoobra in Arabia by Colonel Maude of Kendal in 1864 when he was stationed at Aden and was presented to the museum in 1865.  But records of the old museum state it was deposited in 1859 with no mention of Colonel Maude.

It’s age is still unclear but is thought to be several hundred years old.  Due to its fragile nature it is now housed in the museum store.