Genre/Subject Matter:This two-colour printed drawing shows a troupe of twelve seated and standing men, several holding musical instruments. They are described as ‘negro slaves’ and are part of the ‘tumburah orchestra’.The word ‘tumburah’ (also: Tanbūr, Tanbura, Tambura or Tanboor) refers to the six-stringed harp-like musical instrument held by the man seated at centre. The instrument is adorned with two fans of feathers and is apparently plucked with the fingers.Four other men sit or crouch, holding various drums between their knees. To the right of the man at centre a man stands, wearing a form of girdle, which is perhaps decorated with sheep’s hooves as described in the 1931 translation of Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje’s
Mekka in the Latter Part of the 19th Century: Daily Life, Customs and Learning(pp. 11–12).Although the drawing may have been taken from a photograph, the illustrator has portrayed the faces of the men in a way that makes evident certain nineteenth century racial preconceptions and ideologies.Inscriptions:Printed above image, in ink:XVIIPrinted beneath image, in ink:‘Negersklaven mit dem Ṯúmburah-orchester.’1 printDimensions:214 x 264 mmFormat:1 printCondition:The print is in good condition.Foliation:‘XVII’
Genre/Subject Matter:This dark-coloured print reproduces a section of the patterns inscribed on the kiswa, the black brocade cloth that covers the Caaba.Lighter lined areas delineated the decorative script and surrounding zigzag patterns. Within the zigzagged middle section of the piece the words of the shahāda are written – ‘lā ‘ilāha illā-llāh, muḥammadun rasūlu-llāh’ – the Muslim profession of faith.The word ‘Allah’ is twice repeated in the chevron-shaped below this.The title indicates that this reproduction is a quarter of the size of the original.Inscriptions:Printed above image, in ink:XVIIPrinted beneath image, in ink:‘Ein Stück der Kiswah (der brokanten Bekleidung der Ka’bah). ¼ der Originalgrösse.’1 printDimensions:169 x 227 mmFormat:1 printCondition:The print is in good condition.Foliation:‘XVII’
Genre/Subject Matter:View from the walls of the Portuguese Fort, Bahrain towards a palm plantation. Crumbling ramparts at left.Inscriptions:Below image, in pen: 'Portuguese Fort, Bahrain'Below image, in pencil: ‘501’1 b&w silver gelatin printDimensions:54 x 78 mmCondition:The image is in good condition.Foliation:‘501’Process:Silver gelatin print
Genre/Subject Matter:View of the ruined mosque at Suq el Khamis [Khamis Mosque], Manama, Bahrain, built during the era of the Umayyad caliph Umar II.Two minarets along the horizon.Inscriptions:Below image, in pen: 'Mosque – Suq el Khamis'Below image, in pencil: ‘503’1 b&w silver gelatin printDimensions:74 x 50 mmCondition:The image is in good condition.Foliation:‘503’Process:Silver gelatin print
Genre/Subject Matter:View of the ruined mosque at Suq el Khamis [Khamis Mosque], Manama, Bahrain, built during the era of the Umayyad caliph Umar II.Two figures at far left.Inscriptions:Below image, in pen: 'Mosque at Suq el Khamis'Below image, in pencil: ‘504’1 b&w silver gelatin printDimensions:54 x 78 mmCondition:The image is in good condition.Foliation:‘504’Process:Silver gelatin print
Genre/Subject Matter:View at the Portuguese Fort, with a European man and woman at left in the foreground. Crumbling ramparts at left in the background.Inscriptions:Below image, in pen: 'N. L. at Portuguese fort’Below image, in pencil: ‘502’1 b&w silver gelatin printDimensions:54 x 78 mmCondition:The image is in good condition.Foliation:‘502’Process:Silver gelatin print
This object may have been attached to a faience vessel. The rather frightening appearance of the head is similar to representations of the Egyptian dwarf-god Bes or Greek satyrs.For the latest information about this object, appliqué (visual works), visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style: