Unknown Maker, Egyptian

One of the oldest objects in this exhibition, this textile fragment was until now mounted upside down, making the Arabic inscription appear meaningless. The phrase “success and prosperity” repeats here, with braided bands enclosing animals in red and yellow tapestry-woven silk.

Given as gifts for loyalty to caliphs (religious and civil leaders), tiraz were usually sewn onto high-ranking officials’ clothing. Initially, tiraz included the names of caliphs, but with the decline of the caliphate structure in the 1200s, embroiderers and weavers began to use this form to convey good wishes instead.