While on the surface these two objects could be perceived as a pair, both of them are wooden writing boards and both show Arabic script. Both were produced to solve the same problem, the lack of accessible paper and writing implements. The first board originates from Kolkata, India while the second originates from the Hausa tribe in Northern Nigeria and Southern Niger. The first board inscriptions somewhat ambiguous with potential religious connotations. The second board has verses of the Quran and are clearly of Islamic origin. Both boards are from the same owner, a missionary Baptist church and were likely to have been collected during missionary expeditions.
This comparison highlights the need for interpretation when looking at objects that are not immediately readable. These two objects, while initially similar in use and form, are very different in history and origin.
