Large Islamic Writing board from Nigeria, Hausa Peoples, Mid-20th Century.
Dimensions:
63 cm / 25" by 28.5 cm / 11 "
This board has a dramatic presence; silky smooth, dark brown, aged patina from years of use.
This is a very large tablet, one of the largest I have listed in a while, it is made from hard wood.
This board has a crack at the bottom, on the bottom right or left, depending on the image you are
looking at (please see images) .
The crack is about 14 cm / 5.5" in length, This does not in any way affect the beauty or charm of this
board and it has been priced accordingly.
Wooden writing boards such as this is 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 Muslim students who are learning to read,
write and recite Sura or passages from the Koran, Islam's sacred book.
Once lessons are completed, boards are washed for reuse.
This is an excellent, old example with layers of writing on both sides.
One side also has some form of spell.
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animistic beliefs and the Islamic faith that superseded it.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 increases the potency of the written words and also
ensures protection, the client collects the liquid used to rinse the writing boards
and drinks it.
The handle / top part of this particular tablet is broken and what is left with a stub.
A lovely collectable item, adding this to your collection will make your collection more diverse and
prodigious.
Please have a look at my other boards I have available for sale ( probably the best selection of high
quality, vintage Islamic boards available on eBay).
Type of Object: WRITING BOARD/SLATE
Ethnic Group: Hausa/Fulani
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Materials: WOOD, INK
Approximate Age: 50 years
Dimensions: 63 cm / 25" by 28.5 cm / 11 "
Overall Condition: Good (some wear and chips and a crack on the bottom part of the tablet, please see images)