Coin of Herakleios c. 610 - 613

Editor: This is a gold coin from the Umayyad dynasty, attributed to Abd-al-Malik. It seems to depict Herakleios, but the Arabic script suggests a transition in power and cultural identity. What’s so significant about this coin? Curator: It’s a powerful example of early Islamic appropriation and reinvention of Byzantine visual culture. Abd-al-Malik strategically used existing imagery, a familiar face, to communicate with a diverse population while subtly asserting Umayyad authority. Editor: So, it's not just about money, but about making a statement? Curator: Precisely! Consider the act of overwriting. What does it mean to take an established symbol and inscribe it with a new language, a new set of beliefs? It speaks to the complexities of cultural exchange and the negotiation of power. Editor: I see, the coin is a site of resistance and adaptation. Curator: Indeed, it prompts us to consider how dominant narratives are challenged and reshaped through art. Thank you, that gives me much to reflect on.