Traditionally in Islam, prayer mats are used in daily prayer, however in the Hindu Kush Mountain region of Pakistan and some parts of Afghanistan, in the Swat Valley, the people there used wooden boards in their prayer. Due to the abundance of Himalayan Cedar in the area these prayer boards were used. Pointed at the top to point towards Mecca during the 5 Islamic prayer times and rested against the wall outside of prayer. Hand carved with incredible details and still in fantastic shape. Most likely from the mid 1800s, this is a very special and beautiful antique piece of cultural significance for Islamic people.