Dirham of Al-Walid I, Damascus 708 - 709

Curator: The Dirham of Al-Walid I, Damascus, is a fascinating piece in our collection at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It strikes me as something primal, almost elemental in its simplicity and weight. Curator: As a symbol, the dirham, even in its modest dimensions, represents a powerful shift in early Islamic numismatics. Editor: Right, moving away from figural representation and toward text. What narratives were deemed important enough to be inscribed? Curator: Primarily, it was about asserting religious and political authority through the written word, scripture. It creates a fascinating cultural continuity. Editor: The very act of creating and circulating these coins was a political act of unifying a diverse population under a shared cultural and religious banner. Curator: Examining such objects opens a window into the complex power dynamics of the time. Editor: Indeed. The dirham, then, becomes a testament to cultural resilience and adaptation.