Writing board, second half of 20th century, 26 1/2 × 13 1/16 × 1 in. (67.31 × 33.18 × 2.54 cm), Wood, pigments, leather, Nigeria, 20th century, This board with colorful representations of stylized animals is called allo kafi gida, a term in the Nigerian Hausa language that means 'home protection board.' It is kept in the home as a charm, to avert evil and bring good fortune. The camel, visible on one side, is mentioned many times in the Quran and also features in Hausa folklore, even though it is not native to Nigeria. The animal stands for material wealth and divine favor. On the flip side of the board is a geometric shape representing an abstract sandal, which symbolizes the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Inside the sandal is a square in which letters are assigned mystic numerical values that increase the boards heavenly agency.