A Dervish

Unknown

late 16th–early 17th century · Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper · Islamic Art

This figure can be identified as a dervish, as he drapes himself in a blue khirqa, a cloak worn by Sufis that is characterized by extremely long sleeves. This garment had special meaning, and was awarded to an aspirant (murid), usually after several years of initiation. The investiture of the khirqa is significant in that it formally recognizes the aspirant as a member of the Sufi order and acknowledges that he is a link in the silsilah (chain) of divine knowledge, originating with the Prophet Muhammad.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th–early 17th century

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Alexander Smith Cochran, 1913