The House as Dwelling

This chapter continues the previous chapter’s inquiry into the housing function of the Kaʿba, looking at a little-known purpose of the black robe that covers the Kaʿba, the Kiswa. Referring to descriptions and depictions of the Kaʿba by travellers, pilgrims and miniature painters, the chapter argues that a particular way of hanging the Kiswa signals when within the House a divine presence is imagined to dwell. Divided into two parts, part one presents a history and description of the Kiswa and investigates its relationship to the Kaʿba, asking whether the Kiswa is integral to the Kaʿba or an afterthought and if it veils or reveals the Kaʿba. Part two analyses the dynamics of the Kiswa, showing how the different ways it is hung during the Islamic year serve either to animate the Kaʿba from without or to prompt the perception that the Kaʿba has been animated from within – quickened. The first type of animation is shown to be figurative only, the elevated Kiswa breaking up the otherwise unbroken solidity of the Kaʿba’s walls. The second type of animation is shown to verge on the literal, and at times cross into it.