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.