red pigment

Evidence

"Last page of a West-African Qurɱān manuscript, with Sũrat al-Nās (Qurɱān 114) and the colophon. MS ex-Elphick collection, f. 192b."

Remarks

The red pigment is utilized for decorative elements, specifically a rectangular frame with ornamental extensions (vines or geometric knots) surrounding the colophon text at the bottom of the folio (p. 141). It is also used for vocalization marks and diacritics throughout the Arabic text of Surat al-Nas. The pigment presents as a bright, slightly orange-red color typical of regional West African manuscripts which often used local mineral colors or imported vermilion.