Abstract

Ornamental decoration has been studied extensively by various art historians who have provided a multitude of interpretations for the underlying reasons behind the use of different ornaments as well as the influence different eras had on the design of ornament. Stucco played an important role as a decorative element used throughout the ages; it is considered an inexpensive way of decoration as well as a speedy one. Stucco decoration was also perceived by some to convey special meaning and has been analysed from an architectural as well as a geometrical perspective. This thesis proposes to examine the source of the stucco decoration of the mosque of Ibn Tulun’s soffits according to their pattern. Some previous scholars have attributed them to Byzantine sources, others to Abbasid Samarra. This study will attempt to determine where the closest parallels lie. It will also trace the origins of the patterns, examining the question of whether the Samarra patterns are completely original, or whether they in turn are indebted to Byzantine or Roman prototypes.

Department

Arab & Islamic Civilizations Department

Degree Name

MA in Arabic Studies

Graduation Date

2-1-2015

Submission Date

January 2016

First Advisor

O'Kane, Bernard

Committee Member 1

Karim, Chahinda

Committee Member 2

Shehab, Bahia

Extent

56 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

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