It could be difficult for researchers to find this particular folio because it& #39;s held privately, & it hasn& #39;t been previously digitized. Welch as a researcher was very interested in details, and so high-quality photographs of small moments are a key part of his collection
Take, for example, this lovely detail of men reciting prayers for the end of Ramadan. We can see their rings (a fashionable archer& #39;s ring as well as a more bejeweled one), the patterns on their garments, and the plumes on their hats with great clarity, and even the gold border
This closeup of the band shows all the details of the instruments, even the pick used on the & #39;oud and the elaborate calligraphed robes on the & #39;oud player
This woman peeking out through her window at the celebrations below is a tiny detail in the corner, but Welch& #39;s photograph even allows us to see the henna on her hands
This man pointing out the moon to his friend is obviously of some importance, as shown by the handkerchief in his hand and his position on the roof of the building. Notice that these partiers are all wearing the fashionable archer& #39;s rings as well!
This detail of men picking roses (?) in the background is one that we can& #39;t figure out the reason for-- but you can see what they& #39;re doing in great detail, which should help us or other researchers decode the imagery!
You can find these & more here: http://id.lib.harvard.edu/images/8001001726/catalog,">https://id.lib.harvard.edu/images/80... high-quality downloads for anyone! They& #39;ll also be featured on @HarvardLibrary& #39;s new digital collections platform. Thanks to catalogers @iconographile, @NicInTheGarden, @LoganHeiman_, & Bronwen Gulkis for their hard work!
You can follow @MENALibAHS.
Tip: mention @twtextapp on a Twitter thread with the keyword “unroll” to get a link to it.

Latest Threads Unrolled: