Containing verses from the Holy Qu’ran, this “tabla” (a piece of gold often worn by a child as a symbol of protection) dates back to the early 1900’s.
It was first owned by Sheikha Hamda bint Ahmed bin Khalaf Al Otaiba (1938-1958) who was the daughter of Ahmed bin Khalaf Al Otaiba and Fatima bint Khalfan bin Masood Al Mubairbi. She was married to H.E Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi Personal representative of H.H. the President of the United Arab Emirates, but died a few days after giving birth to her only child, Mouza bint Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Suwaidi.
The “tabla” was given to her infant daughter, Mouza bint Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Suwaidi. This precious piece of gold was then passed on to Mouza’s daughter, Dr. Hamda bint Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Suwaidi who named it ‘Tabla Hamda” in memory of her late grandmother.
The Arabic calligraphy on it is intriguing, and it is believed to contain mysteries that yet needs to be discovered. Read normally, it says Malik Al Mulk (one of the 99 names of God). Placed in front of a mirror the text reads “La illah il Allah” or “There is no god but Allah”.
