An Ottoman silk meta-thread embroidered calligraphic band (Hizam) from the holy Kaaba at Mecca.To the center a large silver cartouche with rounded ends enclosing in gold wires, surah "the Hajj" (the Pilgrimage) verses 26-28 in thuluth script. Further flanked to both sides with two circular silver panels enclosing in gold wires surah al-Ikhas and v.56 from surah al-Ahzab. All surrounded by a band of silver and gilt leafy floral sprays.95 by 670 cmCATALOGUE NOTE: the four walls of the Kabaa 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.