UAE's National Gift to Pope Francis is Immortalised as an NFT for USD 150,000 and will be unveiled at Abu Dhabi Art

The collector will also receive a replica gift of the original carpet

Zuleya by FBMI has partnered with MORROW collective, to bring the iconic Pontifex Carpet to life which will be displayed in a bespoke framed digital canvas
 

 United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, 14th November 2021: Zuleya by FBMI (Fatima bint Mohamed bin Zayed initiative) has partnered with MORROW collective to immortalize the iconic Pontifex Carpet by turning it into an NFT (non-fungible token). The artwork will be displayed in an ornate gold frame on a 65-inch digital canvas and will be unveiled at Abu Dhabi Art on Monday 15th November, where it will be available to purchase for USD 150,000 and 80% of proceeds will go towards the Afghan weavers and their families.

Woven by Afghan women from FBMI’s enterprise Zuleya, the Pontifex Carpet was originally gifted by HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to Pope Francis on a visit to the Vatican in September 2016 where the two leaders met to discuss strengthening existing diplomatic links and promoting inter-religious harmony. The gifted carpet was from Zuleya’s Tolerance range designed to replace the infamous Afghan war rugs and is a lasting symbol of peace and harmony.

The only existing version of the Pontifex Carpet (272x183cm) remains in Pope Francis' possession, but in order to immortalise the artwork, Zuleya have created an NFT from the original design that will raise funds for women and families in Afghanistan.  They have also created a replica of the carpet measuring 185 x125cm, to be gifted to the buyer of the NFT.

Maywand Jabarkhyl, CEO, FBMI said: “The process of turning one of our most iconic carpets into an NFT is a crucial step forward for our initiative. Not only does it give us the chance to bring our designs to a global audience but it opens up a new stream of revenue, which will be invaluable to our artisans in Afghanistan particularly in light of the latest crisis. With the harsh winter months fast approaching the funds raised will go towards providing core relief items to those most vulnerable in Afghanistan.”

He added: “The potential of NFTs seem almost boundless. Seeing the carpet that was gifted to Pope Francis come alive has been thrilling because it was one of our proudest moments and it is an important memory for us and for the UAE. Being able to pass that on to a new NFT collector is an exciting prospect for us.”
Jen Stelco, Head of Design, MORROW collective said: “One of the best things about NFTs is that they give sovereignty back to artists, whilst at the same time allowing us to reach more people around the world as NFTs are not bound by geographical or physical restrictions. Working with FBMI designs has allowed MORROW to make NFTs from carpets designed by women in Afghanistan, who are also benefiting from blockchain technology, which is capable of bringing real and lasting change to their lives.”

Anna Seaman, Curator, MORROW collective said: “At MORROW, one of our core values is social responsibility, because we understand the impact that blockchain technology can bring to creative people. Our partnership with FBMI has been exciting and fulfilling. We have transformed beautiful designs into dynamic and engaging NFTs as well as immortalised a piece of history, with the Pontifex Carpet. Reaching out to collectors and enthusiasts in this way is one of the reasons that MORROW exists.”

Zuleya is one of FBMI’s retail enterprises in the UAE that sells the handicrafts made in Afghanistan. FBMI invests locally in Afghanistan in areas that include healthcare, education, numerous social and economic reforms, and dignified employment opportunities. About 70% of FBMI employees are women and widows, and each employee receives free vocational training, medical care, and schooling for their children.