'Thorhüter der Ka’bah'. Photographer: Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje

1781.b.6/9

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The record is made up of 1 collotype print. It was created in 1888. It was written in German. The original is part of the British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity. .

About this record

Content

Genre/Subject Matter:

This full-length length standing portrait shows a member of the Banī Shaybah, a gatekeeper of the Caaba.

The title notes that descendents of the Shaybah family have held this office since pre-Islamic times.

The man stands facing forward and wears a pale-coloured turban and dark outer robe over a quilted or embroidered robe.

The negative has had hand-work applied, causing the image to take on a soft-shaded paint-like quality in places. In particular the original background has been substituted completely and patterns in the carpet as well as the man’s pale robe have been re-inscribed in the negative.

Inscriptions:

Printed above image, in ink:

IX

Printed beneath image, in ink:

‘Thorhüter der Ka’bah (aus der Schēbah-Familie, die seit vorislamischer Zeit dies Amt innehat).’

A circular 'British Museum' blind stamp is located in the lower right corner.

Extent and format
1 collotype print
Physical characteristics

Dimensions:

246 x 183 mm

Format:

1 collotype print

Condition:

The print is in good condition.

Foliation:

‘IX’

Written in
German in Latin script
Type
Photograph

Archive information for this record

Access & Reference

Original held at
British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity.
Access conditions

Unrestricted

Archive reference
1781.b.6/9

History of this record

Date(s)
1888 (CE, Gregorian)

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'Thorhüter der Ka’bah'. Photographer: Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, 1781.b.6/9, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100023619120.0x000026> [accessed 29 March 2024]

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