Mail Shirt

possibly Iranian

Not on view

Each ring of this mail shirt is stamped with the same Arabic inscription, “Allah, Muhammad, 'Ali, Fatima, Hasan, Husayn,” referring to God, Muhammad, and the Prophet’s immediate family, known as the “people of the cloak,” who the Shi'a consider the holy family of Islam. Worn close to the warrior’s body, their names had a talismanic value, offering spiritual as well as corporeal protection.

Mail Shirt, Iron, possibly Iranian

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Mail Shirt, Iron, possibly Iranian
Mail Shirt, Iron, possibly Iranian
Mail Shirt, Iron, possibly Iranian
Mail Shirt, Iron, possibly Iranian
Mail Shirt, Iron, possibly Iranian

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.