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Makkah Clock Royal Tower Replica
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Makkah Clock Royal Tower Replica
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Makkah Clock Royal Tower Replica

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.081716
Object Type Clock
Gifter
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium metal, plastic, stone (marble)
DimensionsOverall - 3D H 47 1/2 in x W 19 3/4 in x D 17 3/4 in (120.7 cm x 50.2 cm x 45.1 cm )
Physical DescriptionReplica of Makkah Clock Royal Tower within Abraj Al-Bait complex in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The top of the clock is a faceted faux-crystal with a spire adorned by a crescent moon that has five embedded clear crystals. The body of the clock has reflective silver-toned metal sides with gold-toned metal detailing at corners, edges, and top. Each corner of the building has a small pointed dome. The tower stands on a reflective ciruclar plate. The circular plate is inset in a square green marble base with tiered steps.

All four sides of the replica have a clock face with hours marked with a double check mark at each interval. A palm tree with crossing swords, the Saudi Arabia national emblem, is in the center of the clock face. Above the clock face is Arabic script reading: God is [the] greatest. There is Arabic script bordering the highest level of the building and above all clock faces. At the base of the building on the silver plate is the Saudi national emblem.

The clock is electric and comes with a remote that illuminates several green and white lights in the upper portion of the tower.
Historical NoteReceived on the occasion of an official state visit to Saudi Arabia by President Barack Obama in March 2014.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library. Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts of State (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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