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

Editor: So, this is the "Fulus of Sulayman Shah," showing a horseman with Kufic script. It feels like a tangible link to the past. How would you interpret the socio-political importance of such a coin? Curator: Well, consider how these coins were circulated. They weren't just currency, they were miniature billboards of power. The horseman symbolizes military strength, and the Kufic script asserts cultural and religious authority. Who controlled the imagery controlled the narrative. Editor: That’s fascinating! It's amazing how a small object can speak volumes about the aspirations of a ruler. I will have to start thinking about art in this way. Curator: Precisely! It encourages us to look beyond aesthetics to understand the dynamics of power and representation in the society that produced it.