Inscriptions and Decorations on a Wooden Box Preserved in the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo Attributed to Sicily around the 7th Century AH / 13th Century AD Found in the Monastery of the Angel Gabriel in Fayoum (Artistic Archaeological Study))

Abstract

This research presents an archaeological and artistic study of a box made of wood inlaid with ivory and bone (Panel No. 1) with inscriptions and decorations that were published and had not been studied before, attributed to the island of Sicily, preserved in the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo, bearing record number 29229, height: 34.5 cm. Length: 41 cm, width 27 cm. The Polish mission found it through its excavations in the Monastery of the Angel Gabriel in Qalmsha Village in Fayoum in the year 1991 AD, then it was transferred to the Museum of Islamic Art and became among its holdings. It is likely that the box was used to store jewelry, jewelry and valuables.

The box is in a good condition and it is rectangular in shape and has a lid with hinges in a pyramidal shape and a flat top tilting on the four sides downward; this box has been restored, noting that its original part is the main façade (front) and the lid only, while the rest of the box is not original and has been restored. The box is adorned with inscriptions in Arabic calligraphy, birds figures painted in an axis style, and floral, and geometric motifs .

A descriptive and analytical study will be conducted for this box with a precise scientific description, explaining its writings and decorations, especially the drawing of peacocks and bathroom, and showing the relationship of these decorations and writings with Christian arts by comparing the writings and decorations of this box with the motifs and writings on some similar artifacts, with an indication of the symbolism of the peacock and bathroom, and its relationship to Christianity. The research was also provided with Nine paintings and Six figures..

And also attributed this box to Sicily and determined the date of its manufacture based on the type of decoration and writings, and compared this box with its counterpart from the boxes and antiques made in Sicily and kept in international museums.

This research represents a significant part of the Sicilian civilization and arts, especially during the Islamic era, as well as a study of inscriptions, animal figures, birds, and plant and geometric motifs on the wooden box.