The Oliphant: Islamic Objects in Historical Context

Brill's Islamic History and Civilization

by Avinoam Shalem

Setting a group of medieval carved ivory horns in the specific artistic and historical context in which they were manufactured, used and re-used, this book presents a mine of information for the study of medieval history.
The first chapters explore such technical aspects as the cutting and carving of oliphants, and also the broader issues of the morphology of ivory and its availability in the Mediterranean basin in the Middle Ages. On the basis of specific carving methods and varying vocabulary of motifs, the oliphants are organized into groups and their probable sites of production are suggested.
The core of this volume, however, is the attempt to place them in their specific historical context. The purpose of their mass-production, namely their patronage and original function, is explored, but also their reception and new functions in the church treasuries of Latin Europe is broadly discussed.

Genres: Islam

180 pages, Leather Bound

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Avinoam Shalem (born 1959) is the Riggio Professor of the History of the Arts of Islam. He is the author or editor of ten books, including, most recently, The Image of Muhammad Between Ideal and Ideology: A Scholarly Investigation.