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On Display
Beam with Surat al-Nur
  • Accession Number:AKM628
  • Place:Spain (Historic al-Andalus)
  • Dimensions:427 x 16.7 cm
  • Date:10th–11th centuries
  • Materials and Technique:Carved wood

A rare survival from the Umayyad period in Spain (756–1031), this architectural fragment would have been part of the decorative frieze of the interior of a mosque. The inscription bears the Qur’anic verse of light (Surat al-Nur), which is an allegorical reference to Divine Light. The verse was commonly used to adorn mosques, especially their vase-shaped lamps. The inscription is carved in deep relief in a foliated Kufic script surmounted by a repetitive floral element.

Note: This online resource is reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis. We are committed to improving this information and will revise and update knowledge about this object as it becomes available.

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