Pilgrimage certificate with illustration of the Ka'ba

Created for: Bibi Khanum

1778/AH 1193

Ink, opaque watercolour and silver on laid paper.

Aga Khan Museum

This pilgrimage certificate depicts the holy city of Mecca with the Ka'ba at its center, surrounded by monuments and domed arches. This pilgrimage certificate depicts the holy city of Mecca with the Ka'ba at its center, surrounded by monuments and domed arches. This pilgrimage ( hajj ) certificate shows the holy city of Mecca, with the Ka'ba at centre and various monuments surrounding it. The style of domed arches that surround the map suggests that they may have been painted by Indian artists in Arabia. This image would have provided a way for the pious Muslim to imaginatively re-trace the path of pilgrimage, as well as to share that journey with those still waiting to depart. The inscription reveals that this certificate belonged to a woman, Bibi Khanum, who