Contributions of the Arab World

Patrons interested in donating artifact(s) to help illustrate or interpret the Arab American experience, please click here.

Kufic Bowl

Made in the 10^th century, this 7.5-inch earthenware bowl is decorated in white slip (a glaze of clay, water and light-colored minerals) to imitate Chinese ceramics that were much admired by Middle Eastern potters. It is on loan from Dr. Elsie Peck, curator of Middle Eastern Arts at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Kufic script is assumed to be the oldest calligraphic form of Arabic script. It was used to write the first copies of the Qur’an.