H x W x D: 2.1 x 2.1 x 0.1 cm (13/16 x 13/16 x 1/16 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Morocco
Date:
1148-1163
Label Text:
Historically, currency came in a variety of forms—including bars, anklets, armlets, blades, hoes, crosses, neck rings, manillas, rods, ingots, cloth—as well as coins. Some of these objects traded hands regularly; others were only exchanged at important, fixed moments.
Description:
Gold coin in square cardstock envelope, thin, circular with double square (or lozenge according to the orientation established by the hole at either side) and Arabic script, pearled border. Almohad Dynasty, Fez mint. Depositor's notes written on envelope: Almohad/Abu-Muhammad 'Abd-/al Mu'min ibn 'Ali/AH 524-58 AD 1130-63/Gold 1/2 dinar 2.22 gm/No date (struck 1148-63)/Hazard 456
Depositor's notes written on envelope: Almohad/Abu-Muhammad 'Abd-/al Mu'min ibn 'Ali/AH 524-58 AD 1130-63/Gold 1/2 dinar 2.22 gm/No date (struck 1148-63)/Hazard 456
Exhibition History:
Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa's Arts, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 4, 2017-ongoing
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
