Oliphant from Saint-Arnoul Abbey de Metz

Oliphant
Southern Italy, 
end of 11th century, 
beginning of 12th century
Ivory
H. 0.64 m
Saint-Arnoul de Metz abbey treasure
Acq. 1893 ; Cl. 13065

Oliphants, whose name derives etymologically from "elephant", were carved from the extremity of the tusk. In the Middle Ages their usage was varied: musical instruments, drinking horns or receptacles for relics. The museum's oliphant was carved towards the end of the 11th century in Southern Italy. This region, which at that time was actively trading ivory, seems to have made a specialty of the production of certain pieces: chests, chess pieces and oliphants. Strangely, the tusk was sculpted first only at its ends in a succession of decorative bands. Later, the central part, until then left virgin, was sculpted into a representation of the Ascension and the Evangelists' symbols.