James Bruce as an Antiquarian

While traversing Ethiopia in search of the source of the Blue Nile, James Bruce lived up to his self-given title of antiquarian. Prior to leaving, Bruce studied Ge'ez and Ethiopian history. In Thebes, Bruce acquired a rather controversial image of a harp that he brought back. The Book of Enoch that Bruce acquired on his trip was dedicated to the King and his cabinet of curiosity. An understanding of human history and analysis of Bruce's images can reveal the importance and level of detail of antiquarianism at the time