It is known from excavations and textual evidence that figures in the round or with a flattened back were used to decorated palaces; few, however, have survived. This sculpture, one of two in the collection of the Museum, is also interesting for the study of medieval Islamic costume. The figure, still retaining much of its polychromy, is dressed in a bejeweled overgarment with sleeve bands inscribed "Sovereignty [belongs to God]."

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