Mail Coat Stamped with Names of the Ahl al-Kisa
Cultureprobably
Ottoman
Datepossibly 1550–1650
Mediumsteel and brass
DimensionsAs mounted: 90 × 77 cm (35 7/16 × 30 5/16 in.), 17 lb (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.82
DescriptionCoat has mid-length cusped sleeves, open in front and slit at rear bottom. Large steel riveted rings of flattened cross-section, flat on back with stamped inscription on front; external diameter c. 15 mm, internal c. 12 mm. Brass rings at front opening, bottom edge, cuffs, and rear slit. Smaller, lighter, and plain rings for collar, alternating larger solid and smaller riveted rings; only portions of this collar survive.Label TextMail armor was used extensively in the late Roman Empire, and adopted by Islamic armies as one of their chief forms of defense. The rings on this coat are stamped with the names Allah, Muhammad, Ali, Fatimah, Hassan, and Hussain. Ali was the founding figure of Shi'ite Islam; he was married to Muhammad's daughter Fatimah, and their sons were Hussain and Hassan. These founding figures of Islam were especially important to Shi'ites, but were revered throughout the Islamic world.ProvenanceClarence H. Mackay; purchased by Museum on July 2, 1942 from Kende Galleries at Gimbel Brothers (NYC), #33 in lot #63. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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