Octagonal Basin from the Caliphate Era

Ms Cecilia Puy 
In August at the Museum of the Alhambra we will be travelling through water via one of the most delicate and curious basins in the Museum’s collection.
This is a small octagonal fountain made in light-coloured sandstone with interestingly small dimensions. It has no outlet for water which means it was designed as a fountain in which the water would brim over, so creating a gentle, relaxing sound typical of Islamic art.
We will be analysing the function of the basin and its links with the Muslim house and furniture, its use in hygiene, religion, purification and as a means of cooling… as well as its decoration, which is closely related to its function. This depicts algae or plants which appear to “rock themselves” in the water and aquatic animals such as turtles and fish (which can also be seen on other important pieces at the Museum), so establishing a link between its decoration and its use.
With this basin we will flow through the Museum visiting the four elements that come together in this most singular piece: fauna, flora, water and Muslim tradition.
Time: Saturdays at 12.00 a.m. 
Place: Room II, Museum of the Alhambra, Palace of Charles V