A large Ottoman silk, velvet and metal thread calligraphic band from the holy Kabaa (Hizam), of rectangular form embroidered with silver metal wires. To the centre a large silver cartouche with rounded ends enclosing in silver wires the basmallah and v.125 from surah Al-Baqarah in thuluth script with a band of meandering leafy silver vine above and below. Further flanked to the right side with a circular silver panel enclosing in silver wires surah Al-Ikhlas surrounding four words of 'Allah' on a green silk ground.670 by 85 cm.CATALOGUE NOTE The four walls of the Kaaba are covered with a curtain (Kiswa) with the Shahada outlined in the weave. About two thirds of the way up runs a gold embroidered band (hizam) covered with Quranic verses. Each year, when the new Kiswa arrives the guardians of the Kaaba, the Banu Shayban, divide the old Kiswa up and distribute the pieces to honoured pilgrims. Entire surahs were apparently reserved for important dignitaries or rulers.