Minneapolis Institute of Art

Writing board

Hausa artist

Date

second half of 20th century

Medium

Wood, pigments, leather

Culture

Hausa

Department

Global Contemporary Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This board with colorful representations of stylized animals is called allo kafi gida, a term in the Nigerian Hausa language that means “home protection board.” It is kept in the home as a charm, to avert evil and bring good fortune. The camel, visible on one side, is mentioned many times in the Qur’an and also features in Hausa folklore, even though it is not native to Nigeria. The animal stands for material wealth and divine favor. On the flip side of the board is a geometric shape representing an abstract sandal, which symbolizes the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Inside the sandal is a square in which letters are assigned mystic numerical values that increase the board’s heavenly agency. SIDE A: And may God’s prayers be upon the Holy Prophet. God—there is no god except Him—is the Living One, the All-sustainer. Neither drowsiness befalls Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth. Who is it that may intercede with Him except with His permission? He knows that which is before them and that which is behind them, and they do not comprehend anything of His knowledge except what He wishes. His seat embraces the heavens and earth, and He is not wearied by their preservation; He is the All-exalted, the All-supreme. Do you not know that God belongs to the kingdom of the heavens and earth? And besides God you do not have any guardian or any helper. Say, “I have no control over any benefit for myself nor [over] any harm except what God may wish. Had I known the Unseen, I would have acquired much good, and no ill would have befallen me. I am only a warner and a bearer of good news to a people who have faith.” Good is all-attentive to His servants. He provides for whomever He wishes. There is no power but from God the Almighty. God, Muhammad. SIDE B: There is no power but from God the Almighty. [Repeated] God is all-attentive to His servants. He provides for whomever He wishes, and He is the All-string, the All-mighty. And God shall protect you from the people. Africa

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