Author
Unknown
Publication Date
1917
Publication Place
Egypt (made) -
Subject
Islam Textiles Religion Africa
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
Length: 69.5cm, Width: 82.5cm, Length: 27in, Width: 34.5in
Library
Victoria and Albert Museum
Library Asset ID
T.439-1966
Record ID
T.439-1966
Library Location
Middle East Section
Date
1917
Notes
This textile is part of the kiswah, the black silk cloth that traditionally covers the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Kaaba, a cube-shaped building, is considered the most sacred site in Islam. The kiswah is embroidered or woven with inscriptions from the Qu'ran, the Islamic holy book. Each year, many Muslims make pilgrimage ( hajj ) to Mecca and the Kaaba. The hajj takes place during Dhu al-Hijah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. At this time, the kiswah is replaced with a fresh cloth, and the old kiswah cut up. The pieces of the removed kiswah are currently distributed amongst visiting foreign Muslim dignitaries and organisations. Earlier kiswah pieces were distributed amongst the hajj pilgrims, some eventually being sold to tourists.
Malzemeler ve teknikler
Silk satin damask Silk (Textile) Damask Weave
Fiziksel açıklama
Kiswah, a rectangular piece of black silk damask with large woven chevrons filled with Arabic script on a satin ground. Woven with a thick weft bound in tabby.
