I read here about the Mahmal:
It denotes the closed rectangular pyramidal canopy which so resembled a catafalq.It consisted of a light cage or frame of wood which was covered by a brocaded silk or other textile material. The most prominent colours appear to have been at various periods yellow, black, green or red.
It was a symbolic offering from various Islamic centers brought by official delegation of pilgrims representing their country on the Haj to Mecca. It was also paraded locally during Ramadan.
Here is one in Medina 1914
Another, Cairo, 1906
You can find a 1909 painting - by a Jewish painter - of a Cairo Mahmal procession here.
P.S. What did they have against blowing a shofar at the Western Wall?
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