Dirham of Hisham, Wasit 729 - 730

Curator: Let’s discuss this Dirham of Hisham, Wasit, a coin currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, the patina speaks volumes about its age and handling. There’s an aesthetic here—a certain gravity in the metal's muted sheen. Curator: Indeed. Consider Wasit's pivotal role as an administrative center during the Umayyad Caliphate; this coin likely reflects Hisham's efforts to consolidate power and standardize currency. The inscriptions are a testament to cultural and political messaging. Editor: The circular composition and the calligraphy’s arrangement create an almost mesmerizing effect. It embodies the aesthetic principles of balance and proportion. Curator: These coins were essential in trade, taxation, and propaganda. Understanding their distribution reveals social networks and power dynamics of the time. Editor: The craftsmanship, though aged, still conveys a sense of precision. Curator: Absolutely, it’s a tangible link to a complex historical and social landscape. Editor: And as an object, it's still so visually engaging.