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Writing Tablet

MOA: University of British Columbia

3420/40

Writing tablet, or prayer board. The board is rectangular, with one large rectangular projection at the top, and two feet at the base. There is a hole in the wood (knot) just below centre. Both sides of the board are covered in writing.

  • Narrative

    From the collection of Dr. Arap Diop, who had purchased tablets 3420/40-41 in Mogodishu in the 1990s. Tchuemegne acquired them from Diop in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

  • History Of Use

    This writing tablet, or lawh, lists a series of blessings. According to the lawh’s previous owner, Dr. Arap Diop (from Abidjan, Ivory Coast), one of the blessings reads, "We heard and obeyed you Lord, we implore your forgiveness. It is to You that we shall return. Allah does not impose on any soul a burden greater than its capacity. Don’t burden us with a heavy burden like you charged those who lived before us. Lord do not impose on us what we cannot bear; erase our faults, forgive us, and have mercy on us. You are our master, therefore grant us victory over the unfaithful people."

  • Type of Item tablet
  • Culture Somali
  • Material wood, paint
  • Measurements height 125.5 cm, width 19.5 cm, depth 1.5 cm (overall)
  • Previous Owner Richard Tchuemegne
  • Received from Richard Tchuemegne, Michael O'Brian Family Foundation, Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget
  • Made in Somalia
  • Creation Date between 1990 and 1999
  • Ownership Date before February 5, 2020
  • Acquisition Date on February 5, 2020
  • Condition good
  • Accession Number 3420/0040

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