The proud birds, probably falcons, flank a palmette that symbolises the tree of life. They carry a ring in their beaks and their legs are loosely bound together. On their wings, they carry the Arabic blessing: "Everlasting honour, steadfastness and power to its possessor". This unique, gossamer weave was once attributed to Iran and Fatimid Egypt (969-1171). However, on the basis of technological aspects, it was established that this textile is more likely to be Spanish and to date from the 12th or 13th century.