NAM.2018-05-9-5-10

Photograph showing a large group of men in white robes, some carrying weapons, 1897 (c). The inscription tells us this is the ‘holy carpet’ or ‘mahmal’ of Ali Dinar, a Sultan from Darfur, Sudan. The mahmal was the ceremonial palanquin carried on a camel which was made of embroidered fabrics and symbolised the authority of the sultan. One man at the front rides a donkey whilst two others stand by the camel. From a red and black bound photograph album of 43 images compliled by Col William Spottiswoode Sparkes relating to his service in Egypt, Sudan and the Middle East commanding the 4th Bn, Egyptian Army, 1895 to 1903 (c). One of five photograph albums relating to Col William Spottiswoode Sparkes, Welsh Regiment and Egyptian Army.