a successor of the Prophet Muhammad and head of the Islamic community; traditionally always male
calligraphy
the art of fine handwriting
calyces
Plural of calyx.
calyx
A group of outer leaves that surround the unopened bud of a flower.
camomile
An aromatic perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, having feathery foliage and flower heads with white rays and yellow centers.
camphor
Camphor is an aromatic crystalline compound, obtained naturally from the wood or leaves of the camphor tree. It is used in medicine chiefly in external preparations to relieve mild pain and itching.
canopic jar
A canopic jar is a funerary jar containing human organs extracted during the process of mummification; the stoppers of the jars took the shape of the heads of the four sons of the god Horus, who are the patrons of the liver, lungs, stomach and intestine.
caravansary
A caravansary is a warehouse for the storage of goods with rooms above for merchants to rent. Caravansaries are also called funduqs or khans.
cardamon
A cardamon is an Indian herb with rhizomes that has fruits, resembling capsules. These fruits have aromatic seeds that are used as spices or condiments.
carnelian
A pale to deep red or reddish-brown variety of clear chalcedony, used in jewelry.
cartonnage
linen or papyrus held together by glue and molded into coffins and funeral masks.
cartouche
an elliptical symbol encircling the inscribed birth and coronation names of the king
cataract
A cataract is a rapids or waterfall in a river. The first Nile cataract was Egypt's southern border in ancient times.
cavetto cornice
an architectural concave element stylized after palm fronds
cella
the inner room of a temple, usually where the statue of a god was placed
cenotaph
a symbolic tomb erected in honor of a dead person whose remains lie elsewhere
censer
a vessel in which incense is burned
ceremonial beard
a short transversely striped, squared-off, wedge-shaped beard that was a symbol of royal dignity
chanteuse
a female singer
chased
the ornamented surface of a metal that has been decorated by indenting and so raising the design, without cutting into it
chiton
a knee-length garment worn by men and women of ancient Greece
chlamys
a short oblong cloak worn by young men of ancient Greece
cinnamon
Cinnamon is the dried aromatic inner bark of certain tropical Asian trees. The bark is often ground and used as a spice.
Circassian
Mamluk rulers of Egypt from AD 1382-1517 who originated in an area of modern southwest Russia called Circassia in former times
citadel
a fortress in a commanding position in or near a city
cloisonné
decorative enamelwork using applied gold threads and tiny beads
Codex
a manuscript volume, especially of a classic work or of the Scriptures
Codices
plural of codex, a manuscript volume, especially of a classic work or of the Scriptures
coffer
a chest for money or valuables; also, an ornamental recess in a ceiling
colonnade
a series of columns placed at regular intervals and often supporting a roof
colonnette
a small, thin column used for architectural decoration or to support an arch
Coptic
It is a name for Egyptians of the Christian faith and their Church. It is also the name for the last form of the ancient Egyptian language, which was written with mostly Greek letters. The Coptic language survives only as a liturgical language of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
corbel
a bracket of stone, wood, brick, or metal projecting from the face of a wall and used to support a cornice or arch
cornice
horizontal molded projection that crowns a building or wall
cornucopia
a goat's horn overflowing with fruit, flowers, and grain, signifying prosperity; also called Horn of Plenty
corona
halo or faintly colored luminous ring
Cretan
an adjective referring to the island of Crete and its culture
croushing
Lying down with the head raised.
cruciform
in the shape of a cross
cuirass
a piece of armor for protecting the chest and back
cuneiform
An ancient method of writing in Mesopotamia whereby characters are formed by the arrangement of small wedge-shaped elements
cyathus
a type of ladle or cup used to serve wine in ancient Greece