Kamuzu Academy Classics Department

Greek and Latin Epigraphy in Malawi

The suspicion that Malawi might not be distinguished for its Greek and Latin inscriptions would be justified. However, there are some, and they will be reproduced here as recorded, in order to save them from the 'strues vetustatis'.

All Saints' Cathedral, Nkhotakota

The Anglican Cathedral at Nkhotakota was dedicated by Bishop Gerard Trower on St. Mark's Day, 1902.

The double font (for baptism by sprinkling and immersion) bears what is possibly the only Latin inscription to be found in a Malawian church.

A.M.D.G.

ET

IN PIAM MEMORIAM

MATRIS AMANTISSIMAE

HARRIET LOUISA MUNEZ

CVIVS ANIMAE DOMINVS

PROPI[TI]ETVR

HANC TVRRIM

FILIVS INDIGNVS

[D]EDICAVIT

[...]MCCC[...]

To the greater Glory of God

And

To the pious Memory

Of his most loving Mother

Harriet Louisa Munez

(On whose Soul may the Lord

Look with Favour)

This Tower

Her unworthy Son

[D]edicated

18[...]/19[...]

'Propietur' for 'Propitietur' (supposing not from the rare verb 'Propio') is important early evidence for the corrupting influence of Titivillus in Malawi.

classics.fritillary.org
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