Cap with striped inscribed silk, Egypt or Syria, Mamluk period, probably sultanate of al-Nasir al-Din Muhammad (reigned 1293–1341, with two interruptions), 14th century. Lampas fabric, silk and gold, 14 x 15.5 x 10.5 cm. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH, purchase from the J.H. Wade Fund, 1985.5. Photograph courtesy of The Cleveland Museum of Art

During his sojourn in Cairo, Mansa Musa was received by the sultan al-Nasir al-Din Muhammad, who showered him with gifts including a skullcap with caliphal emblems. The cap undoubtedly resembled this luxurious example, which is inscribed “Glory to our lord sultan al-Malik al-Nasir.”