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Writing Tablet

MOA: University of British Columbia

3420/41

Writing tablet, or prayer board. Invocations for blessings handwritten on the front. The board is rectangular, with one large round projection at the top, and two small rectangular feet at the base. Writing on both sides of board.

  • History Of Use

    Though beginning with an invocation to Allah and acknowledgement of Muhammad and the saints, the texts do not copy Qur’anic verses, but list a series of blessings.

  • 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.

  • Type of Item tablet
  • Culture Somali
  • Material wood, paint
  • Measurements height 146.8 cm, width 15.8 cm, depth 2.3 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 3420/0041

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