Tombstone of a Muslim girl
On display
This marble tombstone marked the burial of a Muslim woman, or more likely a young girl, who died in the 11th century. The shape of the tombstone, its material, and the style of writing used for the inscription suggest that it comes from North Africa, probably from present-day Tunisia.
The inscription running on both sides gives us information about name of the deceased and the date of her death. Although her name cannot be reconstructed with absolute certainty, she might have been called Ghariba, the daughter of Makhluf al-Jala. She died on 4 Shawwal of the year 431 of the Islamic calendar, corresponding to 17 June 1040 AD.
The identification of the deceased is preceded by blessings, and sura (chapter) 112 of the Qur’an, which proclaims the unique nature of God. The text ends with a prayer for the consolation of the deceased’s parents, which is often part of the inscriptions on the tombs of young children.
Details
-
Title
Tombstone of a Muslim girl
-
Associated people
Ghariba Bint Makhluq al-Jala (died AD 1040) (named on object) -
Associated place
North Africa (place of creation)Tunisia (probable) (probable place of creation) -
Date
17 June AD 1040 (4 Shawwal AH 431) -
Material and technique
marble, with carved decoration
-
Material index
-
Technique index
-
Object type
-
Dimensions
22 x 76 x 13 cm approx. (height x width x depth) -
No. of items
1
-
Credit line
Purchased, 2006.
-
Museum location
First floor | Gallery 31 | Islamic Middle East -
Museum department
Eastern Art
-
Accession no.
EA2006.21
Our online collection is being continually updated. Find out more
Know more about this object? Spotted an error? Contact us
