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ID #SA1217288
FOR SALE
£495
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Rare Scholars / Prayer Board, Islamic Script, Mali, C1800
Curious Antiques
for sale €579     $629
£495

Curious Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2015
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Id #SA1217288
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Rare Scholars / Prayer Board, Islamic Script, Mali, C1800

19th century
For Sale by Curious Antiques
Description

Rare and interesting African late 18th /early 19th century scholars or prayer board from Mali,c1800. The wooden panel has been hand carved and shaped and both sides feature extensive Islamic script. On one side there is a star or pentangle a symbol with significance in Islam. Mali and in particular Timbuktu was a centre for scholarly excellence at a time when many historians believe Africa was culturally and intellectually ahead of Europe. The board is a good size weighing 1 kg and the wood has taken on great colour/patina after many years of use. It is in very good condition for its age with only very minor fading of the script and just a few knots and imperfections that occur naturally in wood. Please refer to the detailed photographs and feel free to contact me if you would like to view the item or have any queries.

Price includes FREE UK delivery.

Size: 54cm long x 18cm wide x 1cm deep, weight 1 kg.

Physical Dimensions
Height
54cm (21.26")
Width
18cm (7.09")
Depth
1cm (0.39")
Declaration

Curious Antiques has dated this Islamic Quranic Writing Tablet to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1217288
Dealers Notes

Curious Antiques specialises in sourcing fine, rare and unusual antiques and curiosities. We are passionate about customer satisfaction and will do all we can to ensure you are happy and in the unlikely event you are not offer a no questions asked returns policy. We accept payment via paypal, bank transfer, cheque and cash.

Description
Rare and interesting African late 18th /early 19th century scholars or prayer board from Mali,c1800. The wooden panel has been hand carved and shaped and both sides feature extensive Islamic script. On one side there is a star or pentangle a symbol with significance in Islam.
“
Mali and in particular Timbuktu was a centre for scholarly excellence at a time when many historians believe Africa was culturally and intellectually ahead of Europe.
Curious Antiques

The board is a good size weighing 1 kg and the wood has taken on great colour/patina after many years of use. It is in very good condition for its age with only very minor fading of the script and just a few knots and imperfections that occur naturally in wood. Please refer to the detailed photographs and feel free to contact me if you would like to view the item or have any queries.

Price includes FREE UK delivery.

Size: 54cm long x 18cm wide x 1cm deep, weight 1 kg.

Height
54cm (21.26")
Width
18cm (7.09")
Depth
1cm (0.39")
Date of Manufacture

Curious Antiques has dated this Islamic Quranic Writing Tablet to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1217288
Curious Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2015
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Curious Antiques Profile Page

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An elongated wooden tablet featuring handwritten Arabic calligraphy in black ink on a natural wood surface.
1 / 7
Archive I An elongated wooden tablet featuring handwritten Arabic calligraphy in black ink on a natural wood surface.

Rare Scholars / Prayer Board, Islamic Script, Mali, C1800

Archive II An elongated wooden tablet featuring handwritten Arabic calligraphy in black ink on a natural wood surface. View II
Archive III An elongated wooden tablet featuring handwritten Arabic calligraphy in black ink on a natural wood surface. View III
Archive IV An elongated wooden tablet featuring handwritten Arabic calligraphy in black ink on a natural wood surface. View IV
Archive V An elongated wooden tablet featuring handwritten Arabic calligraphy in black ink on a natural wood surface. View V
Archive VI An elongated wooden tablet featuring handwritten Arabic calligraphy in black ink on a natural wood surface. View VI
Archive VII An elongated wooden tablet featuring handwritten Arabic calligraphy in black ink on a natural wood surface. View VII
Enlarged Archival View

Curious Antiques
Telephone 07795 237 189
Location
Curious Antiques
Timeline Antiques Centre
Midland Road
North Walsham
Norfolk
NR28 9JR
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/curious
Verified Since Jun 2015
Items For Sale 140
Items Sold 370
Curious Antiques
Verified Since Jun 2015
View Dealer Info
Location: Curious Antiques, Timeline Antiques Centre, Midland Road, North Walsham, Norfolk, NR28 9JR, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/curious
Verified
Jun 2015
For Sale
140
Sold
370
An elongated wooden tablet featuring handwritten Arabic calligraphy in black ink on a natural wood surface.
Rare Scholars / Prayer Board, Islamic Script, Mali, c1800
Ref: SA1217288
An elongated wooden tablet featuring handwritten Arabic calligraphy in black ink on a natural wood surface.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Archival Detail

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FAQs

An Islamic Quranic writing board, or Alluha, is a hand-carved wooden tablet historically used throughout West Africa and North Africa by students and scholars for learning and memorising the Quran.

These tablets were constructed from local hardwoods and shaped with hand tools. The Arabic inscriptions were rendered using natural charcoal or soot-based ink applied with a reed pen.

Authentic historic tablets feature genuine surface wear, smooth hand-handled edges, natural timber shrinkage, and distinct ink penetration into the grain rather than printed markings.

These tablets are frequently presented on bespoke metal stands within display cabinets, positioned upright on bookshelves, or wall-mounted as sculptural graphic art.

Keep the wood in a dry environment with stable humidity levels, away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent cracking and fading of the original ink script.
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