- 169
Mecca and Medina
Estimate
3,000 - 3,500 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- A permit in Arabic for a mule to enter the Hejaz region. [Cairo, late nineteenth century], lithographed document in Arabic with an image of a mule (223 x 140mm.), the document validated with 4 official blue ink stamps
- paper
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
A VERY RARE EGYPTIAN ISSUED PERMIT FOR A FEMALE MULE TO ENTER THE HOLY SITES OF MECCA AND MEDINA, for the purpose of towing artillery in the Mahmal caravan. The certificate also stipulates that the mule is branded on the neck and front hooves, in order to secure its entrance through Egypt and into the Hejaz region. The soldiers and artillery that accompanied the Mahmal were not just ceremonial, but served a vital role in protecting the caravan from Bedouin raids. Mules and camels were scarce in the Hejaz at this time, and permits were issued to protect the animals and prevent the spread of disease.
A similar permit is in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection, and was exhibited in 'Longing for Mecca: the journey of the pilgrim', Rijksmuseum Volkenkunde, Leiden, The Netherlands, from Sept 2013 to March 2014.