Islamic prayer rug. Rectangular shape with shades of prussian blue, black, tan, and pale yellow. The central motif is a large, scalloped arch, inside the pointed end of which is a depiction of the Kaaba - a shrine located at the center of the Great Mosque in Mecca, considered by Muslims to be an extremely sacred spot . A multi-part floral and geometric border surrounds the arch, and there is a short blue fringe along the top and bottom edges. A manufacturer's label tag is sewn to a reverse edge of the rug.
This rug is typical of the type used by Muslims for prayers in Grand Rapids. The rug is placed on the ground facing Mecca, and is used to keep the user from touching the ground.
Purchased by donor as a gift for the Museum, in anticipation of the Newcomers exhibition
Virtual World Cultures Scavenger Hunt (August 2020) “Culture” is a word that describes the ways of life shared by a
group of people. It has to do with how people live and includes things
such as music, art, religion language, clothing and more.This scavenger hunt
will introduce you to a few of the fascinating customs, beliefs and lifestyles
of people from diverse cultures in our communities and around the world.