On a more practical level, Muslim women were also engaged in various crafts. An important activity was the production of pottery for everyday domestic use. The base of a Mamluk ceramic dish from Fustat in Egypt was inscribed with ‘amal Khadija’ (‘made by Khadija’). Rug- and carpet-weaving was another traditional female activity, with knowledge and expertise handed down through the generations from mother to daughter. Finally, embroidery played an important part in the lives of Muslim women. Many hours were spent by the females in the family to embellish textiles for domestic and, crucially, commercial purposes.