Description:

Nigeria, Hausa Peoples, Mid-20th Century. In wood, carved arched finial with dramatic presence; silky smooth, honey-brown, aged patina from years of use. Wood writing boards such as this one, some of embellished with magic squares and others with non-figurative designs in addition to Koranic script, serve to illustrate the long history of Islam and literacy in Africa. The boards are most often used by young Moslem students who are learning to read, write and recite Sura or passages from the Koran, Islam's sacred book. As lessons are completed, boards are washed for reuse.An excellent, old example with layers of writing on both sides.

Writing boards may also be used in contexts that suggest a synthesis of earlier animistic beliefs and the Islamic faith that superseded it. In some cases, a client seeking protection against disease or misfortune may visit a ritual practitioner who writes passages from the Koran or another source onto the writing board (or an animal skin). In a gesture that crystallizes the potency of the written words and also ensures protection, the client collects the liquid used to rinse the writing boards and drinks it. 19"L x 9"W.

Provenance: Collected by the late Kathryn J. Rex while living in Nigeria, ca. 1960's.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

  • Condition: In very fine condition; traces of adhesive tape residue on one side.

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June 13, 2014 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000