12th-13th century
Italy
Object qualities
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Objectmusical instrument: Oliphant
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumIvory, carved; gilded silver and bronze mounts
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SizeOverall: L. 17 1/8 (43.5 cm) W. 3 1/4 in. (8.2 cm) D. 2 5/8 in. (6.6 cm) Min. Diam. 1 3/16 in. (3 cm)
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Geography detailsAttributed to
Italy -
Country today
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Date12th-13th century
Source of information
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Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
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Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
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Fantastic and real creatures, juxtaposed within roundels, abound on the carved surface of this hunting horn. Ivory tusks of this type, used as reliquaries or symbols of land tenure, were apparently produced for both Muslim and Christian patrons in the medieval Islamic period. Similar motifs in contemporary textiles reveal the popularity of this repeating design.