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

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Shalem, Avinoam.

Series:

Islamic history and civilization ; v. 54.

Islamic history and civilization. Studies and texts, 0929-2403 ; v. 54

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Oliphant.

Decorative arts, Fatimid--Influence.

Decorative arts, Fatimid.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (261 pages) : illustrations

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Leiden ; Boston : Brill, 2004.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

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

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.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references (p. [139]-151) and index.

ISBN:

1-280-91497-1

9786610914975

90-474-0510-2

1-4294-2749-3

OCLC:

191935704