Horn (Oliphant) with Case

Unknown

horn, 11th–12th century; case, 16th century · Ivory, silver, leather · Arms and Armor

Reflecting the shared visual language of the Mediterranean region, both fabulous beasts and ordinary animals inhabit interlocking roundels carved into this tusk of ivory. Such splendid objects often survived because they were stored in European church treasuries. This horn reportedly belonged to a Benedictine monastery in Dijon, France, and is the only surviving example to retain its original travelling case.

Artist

Unknown

Date

horn, 11th–12th century; case, 16th century

Medium

Ivory, silver, leather

Culture

South Italian

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1904