Frieze

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This wooden frieze carved in relief with an Arabic inscription in Kufic script, comes from Egypt and dates to the 9th century.

The wood is carved in relief with Arabic inscription in Kufic script. The inscription conveys blessings on the owner. Wood was used in Egypt for decorative wall panels, doors and window lattices. This piece probably formed a border along the top of a panel of interlocked palmette motifs.

The use of script in the context of Islamic architecture had strong religious overtones and was meant to convey divine omnipresence as well as divine protection throughout.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-000-572-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1984.519
• Date: 9th century
  
• Material: Wood. Inscription: Baraka wa-yumn wa-sa'ada wa-ghibt li-sahibi
  
• Dimensions: 120 mm H x 1170 mm W
  
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• Where: Egypt
  
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• Description: Wooden frieze carved in relief with an Arabic inscription in Kufic calligraphy: Egyptian, Tuluind period, 9th century
  
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