Kiswah
1917-1918 (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 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.
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 | Silk satin damask |
| Brief description | Kiswah, a rectangular piece of silk satin damask, Egypt, 1917-1918 |
| Physical description | 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. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | Jameel Gallery
Section of the Cover of the Ka’bah
Egypt, probably Cairo
1917–18
This black silk cloth is part of the Kiswah, the cloth that covers the outside of the Ka’bah, the holy shrine in Mecca. During Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, the Ka’bah linings are replaced with new silks and the old ones are cut up and distributed among the pilgrims.
The inscription includes the Shahadah, the Islamic declaration of faith. The other texts praise God.
Silk thread in lampas weave
Museum no. T.439-1966
Given by Mr W. Hastings
(17/09/2012) |
| Credit line | Given by Mr W. Hastings |
| 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 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. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.439-1966 |
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| Record created | December 15, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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