Orthodox Christian scribes etch religious writings on traditional parchments (Birana) at the Ghion Hotel on Ras Desta Damtew St. The 10 day exhibition by the Hamere Berhan Institute featured various paintings and writings with uniquely Ethiopian overtones. The parchments, pens and inks are all prepared at the institute in the Piazza District. Goatskins are tightly stretched over metal frames to dry for days before being immersed in water to make the parchments. Several ancient manuscripts in the Ge'ez language with financial and artistic value are preserved in Birana parchments nationwide.