Arts of the Islamic World and India, including Fine Rugs and Carpets
Arts of the Islamic World and India, including Fine Rugs and Carpets
A large double-handed wooden Qur'an board, Sub-Saharan Africa, probably Somalia, circa 1900
Auction Closed
April 26, 01:36 PM GMT
Estimate
3,000 - 6,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
text: surah fatir (XXXV), middle of v.12 (part) to middle of v.43 (part)
Arabic manuscript on wood, recto with 29 lines of text, verso with 28 lines of text, with two rounded handles to top, two rectangular feet to base
108.2 by 24.1cm.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Qur’an boards such as the present lot were used as teaching tools for students to learn to read and write the Arabic language and, subsequently, read and memorise the Qur’anic text. The long, slender shape of this example is typical of Qur’an boards produced in Somalia although the double handle at the top of the board is an unusual feature. Further Qur’an boards from Somalia are in museum collections including one in the Minneapolis Institute of Art (acc.no.2017.92).