Head Cord (Igal)

Unknown

20th century · Metal and silk thread · Islamic Art

An aqal (head cord) is part of a man’s traditional ensemble that kept a head covering in place and was often worn together with an abaya (cloak). This ornate example features large bulbs made of blue silk and metal-wrapped thread and was, therefore, also an important symbol of social status and authority. Provenance records, which document an object’s history and past ownership, indicate that this aqal may have originally belonged to Faisal I, King of the Arab Kingdom of Syria in 1920 and King of Iraq from 1921–1933. Official portraits often picture King Faisal wearing an abaya and an aqal.

Artist

Unknown

Date

20th century

Medium

Metal and silk thread

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1944