This embroidered fragment comes from the ‘kiswah’, which is the huge curtain used to cover the walls of the Ka‘bah in Mecca. The inscription enclosed in a medallion reads: “Oh the Compassionate! Oh the Merciful.” These are two of the 99 Beautiful Names or Attributes of God. Every year, the kiswah is replaced. The previous year's piece is cut up, sold or distributed as ‘barakah’ (blessings) to pilgrims. Since the Mamluk period (1250-1516) to 1952, the kiswah was traditionally made in Egypt. A lavish camel caravan would carry the kiswah and historically, it was presented by the leading Muslim regime of the time to Mecca. The acceptance of the kiswah by the authorities in Mecca was an acknowledgment of the donor’s political power. Since 1962, the honour of bestowing the kiswah has belonged to the King of Saudi Arabia. The kiswah is now made in a workshop in Mecca.
