Fulus of Sulayman Shah, with Horseman right and Kufic legend c. 12th century

Curator: This is a Fulus of Sulayman Shah, with Horseman right and Kufic legend. Editor: Immediately, the copper's patina evokes a sense of history and age. Curator: Indeed, the coin represents more than mere currency; it symbolizes the socio-political power wielded by Rukn ad-Din Sulayman Shah. The horseman acts as a statement of authority, a representation of leadership. Editor: And the Kufic script, though stylized, anchors this object in a very specific cultural and ideological context. It speaks to the influence of Islamic artistic traditions. What does this tell us about Sulayman Shah’s identity in relation to gender and race? Curator: This artifact speaks of power structures, artistic traditions, and the tangible ways in which authority manifests itself within a society. Editor: It reminds us that even something as commonplace as currency can be a potent signifier.