Kiswah
19th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
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 brocaded 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.
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.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Damask-woven silk satin |
| Brief description | Rectangular piece of black satin damask with Arabic inscriptions in broad chevrons |
| Physical description | Rectangular piece of black satin damask with Arabic inscriptions in broad chevrons. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Sir Charles Manning |
| Object history | This fragment of the kiswah, or "Holy Carpet" was given by G.M. Marling [presumably C.M. Marling], from the British Embassy in Constantinople. |
| Summary | 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 brocaded 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. |
| Bibliographic reference | pp.59-61
Ipek, Dr. Selin, Dressing the Prophet. Textiles from the Haramayn. Hali. Summer 2011, Issue 168 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 589-1906 |
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| Record created | December 12, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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