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This standard, or alam, would have been used in religious processions and is made of perforated gilt copper. The ornamental calligraphy arranged within a frame in the form of a bird of prey is the Shia Muslim prayer, the Nadi cAli, or ‘Call to Ali’, praising the son-in-law of the Prophet. The standard is thought to have been made in Delhi in the 17th century.

The skeletons of an eagle, swan, ostrich and a crane. Engraving by Lodge after Brown.  c. 1791

Description Popular print of a Siren as a bird with woman’s head and outstretched wings, perched on a flowering plant. XIXc Woodcut with hand-colouring

“They lived upon Celestial Dew, they flew perpetually, without intermission, and took no rest but High on the Air” (the Birds of Paradise)