The oliphant : : Islamic objects in historical context / / by Avinoam Shalem.

• Superior document: Islamic history and civilization. Studies and texts, v. 54
• Author: Shalem, Avinoam.
• Year of Publication: 2004
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Language: English
• Series: Islamic history and civilization ; v. 54.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (261 pages) :; illustrations
• Notes: Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

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

Table of Contents

Intro -- Contents -- List of Illustrations -- Acknowledgments -- Note on Transliteration -- Chapter One: Prologue -- Chapter Two: State of Research -- Chapter Three: Ivory - The Substance -- Chapter Four: Cutting and Carving - The Making of Oliphants -- Chapter Five: Stylistic Classification -- Chapter Six: Function and Meaning -- Chapter Seven: Oliphants in Church Treasuries -- Epilogue -- Colour Plates -- Bibliography -- Index of Names, Titles and Terms -- Index of Places -- Islamic History and Civilization.