Writing board, second half of 20th century
Hausaexpand_more
Wood, pigments, leatherexpand_more
The Christina N. and Swan J. Turnblad Memorial Fundexpand_more 2014.44.2
Not on Viewexpand_more
This board with colorful representations of stylized animals in combination with words, numbers, and geometric shapes, is called allo kafi gida. This term in the Nigerian Hausa language means “home protection board.” Custom-made by a specialized Muslim cleric-artist, the board is kept hidden by the head of the family as a talisman—an object held to act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune—that protects him and his family. The iconography of these protective boards draws elements from the Qur’an, Sufi mysticism, and Hausa animal symbolism. This particular board shows birds, and possibly a lizard.
SIDE A:
Al-Hagh / Muhammad / God.
Say, “He is God the One, God the eternal. He begot no one nor was He begotten. No one is comparable to Him.”
There is no power but from God the Almighty.
God is kind to His servants.
SIDE B:
God is the Light of the heavens and the earth.
God is all-attentive to His servants. He provides for whomever He wishes.
There is no power but from God the Almighty.
God, Muhammad.
Details
- Title
- Writing board
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2014.44.2
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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