Muqarnas tile

Intricate geometric forms are a hallmark of Islamic architecture. This 'muqarnas' tile is decorated with a star-motif. A muqarnas is a decorative element in Islamic architecture where hundreds of tiles like this piece are assembled to create a honeycomb-like formation. Muqarnas were often used to adorn the tops of pillars and mihrab (prayer niches which indicate the direction to Mecca).