The Door Lock in Islamic Art: An Artistic and Archaeological Study In view of collections of the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo

The study of wooden and metal-plated door locks, known as “ ˈdɑb.bah ”, represents a unique and under explored subject within the field of Islamic art and Archaeology. To date, this topic had not allocated specialized scholarly investigation. Upon thorough research, it was found that the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Cairo houses a significant and representative collection suitable for such a study. This includes a total of seventeen door locks: five wooden “ ˈdɑb.bah ” and twelve wood-based locks with metal plating.
These objects were acquired from various historical sites to MIA : three door locks originate from the tomb of Imam Al-Shafi‘i, six locks were collected from the Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaytbay Madrasa in the Qarafa district, one Door lock comes from the shrine of Sayyida Ruqayyah, and another from the Sayyida Zaynab Mosque. The provenance of the remaining locks remains unidentified.
This study aims to examine the terminology associated with this type of Islamic artifact as reflected in classical Arabic writings and resources, while also exploring its physical structure, component parts, and mechanical function. Additionally, the research delves into the materials used in their construction, manufacturing techniques, artistic styles, and centers of production. Special emphasis is placed on the ornamental features floral, geometric, and epigraphic that characterizes these locks, alongside efforts to determine their chronological framework and cultural context. The study proposes that such locks were used in Egypt even prior to the Islamic era and explores both their practical and symbolic functions.