Dirham of Al-Walid I, Arran 708 - 709

Curator: Let's discuss this silver Dirham of Al-Walid I, originating from Arran. Editor: Its worn surface and simple circular form give it an almost ethereal, melancholic presence. Curator: Indeed, the inscriptions, though faded, speak volumes. The Arabic calligraphy is a powerful symbol of authority and faith, reflecting the Umayyad Caliphate's cultural influence. Editor: The texture, with its subtle indentations and raised edges, seems to emphasize its age and the physical act of its creation, underscoring its materiality. Curator: These coins acted as not only currency but also as potent symbols of power and religious affirmation, circulated widely to unify the empire. Editor: Seeing it this way gives the work a sense of depth it didn't immediately have. Curator: Precisely, it invites us to consider the layers of meaning embedded within its simple form.