Footprint of the Prophet (recto), folio 11 from a Manuscript of Dala’il al-Khayrat by Jazuli c. 16th century

Curator: Oh, it feels ancient, doesn't it? Like holding a whispered secret. Editor: Indeed. This is folio 11 from Jazuli’s Dala’il al-Khayrat manuscript, now housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Specifically, it's the "Footprint of the Prophet." Curator: It’s so small, almost jewel-like. The gold and blues swirling around that brick-red center—it's like a hidden garden. Editor: The manuscript, a collection of prayers honoring the Prophet Muhammad, was incredibly significant. Copies were made and circulated widely, becoming objects of veneration, pilgrimage and conduits of spiritual power. Curator: So, this isn't just decoration, it is a powerful symbol? Editor: Absolutely. The footprint itself takes on meaning in relation to the Prophet's presence. In many cultures, a footprint symbolizes ownership and memory—a trace of history. The swirling patterns reinforce the depth of that meaning. Curator: I keep thinking about the human hand that made this, the devotion poured into each tiny detail. It makes me think of the stories and histories held within this single page. Editor: Yes, a testament to the enduring power of faith, art, and the stories they hold.