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AN ASHURA PROCESSIONAL BANNER Qajar Iran, dated 1323 AH (1905) Of 30-60-90 triangular shape, the taupe field heavily worked in metallic threads and silver spangles with spot motifs in a variety of stitches, with the royal emblem of the Lion of 'Ali holding the sword, and the sun rising behind, shielded by a small canopy, a crescent and star above, the full sun in the right angle, bearing the words Allah, Mohammad, 'Ali, Fatima, Hassan, and Hossein, Qur'an sura 61 v. 28, heralding victory with the help of Allah, and inscribed with a dedication to the Lord of Martyrs (Hossein), dedicated from the worshipful company of the people of Yazd, under the supervision of Haji 'Ali of Taft, dated 1323, the borders heavily worked in raised work with dedications to the Lion of Men ('Ali), the?bismillah, and a proclamation of 'Ali as the sole brave man and his zulfiqar the only sword, the eyes of the sun and the lion in stained shell or ceramic, mounted on brown felt and box-framed in plexyglass,?81cm x 137cm x 115cm,?86cm x 121cm x 11cmx 130cm x 16cm including frame. Such ceremonial banners were used to mark the start of Ashura processional marches.?Civil groups vied to out-dazzle one another during these annual?ceremonies marking the anniversary of the martyrdom of Hossein, the Prophet's grandson and his companions.?The power and numbers of their men as they lifted the heavy?'alams?to start the marches would have been impressive.? Each guild of craftsmen and provincial groups in the capital would commission their own banners and markings, which served to inspire respect and display civic pride with lavish trappings. The citizens' groups showcased the zeal of their members and the generousity of the alms they distributed as symbols of the power they wielded in the city's economy. Our example was made for the citizens of Yazd, and it is easy to imagine how it would have sparkled in the sun and captured the imagination of the mourners. As the use of colour in such sombre ceremonies was disallowed, metal thread instead was used for dramatic effect.Notes: Islamic & Indian Art