- Object Name:
- Tombstone Fragment (?)
- Place Made:
- Mamluk Palestine
- Date:
- 14th century (or later)
- Medium:
- Marble
- Dimensions:
- 6 × 4 1/8 × 1 5/8 in. (15.2 × 10.5 × 4.1 cm)
- Credit Line:
- Gift of Dr. Harry G. Friedman
- Accession Number:
- F 4757
Not On View
This star probably decorated the top of a gravestone. Below it is a mark that may be part of an Arabic inscription, suggesting that it commemorated a Muslim burial. In the Islamic world the Star of David was known as the Seal of Solomon (Suleiman), and was considered a powerful protective emblem. Solomon is revered in Islam as in Judaism for his wisdom and kingship. In early magical traditions, Solomon had a seal ring that could defeat demons, but the emblem on the seal was not identified.
Information may change as a result of ongoing research.