Pyxis of al-Mughira
Umayyad. c. 968 C.E. Ivory
The Pyxis of al-Mughira, now in the Louvre, is among the best surviving examples of the royal ivory carving tradition in Al-Andalus (Islamic Spain). It was probably fashioned in the Madinat al-Zahra workshops and its intricate and exceptional carving set it apart from many other examples; it also contains an inscription and figurative work which are important for understanding the traditions of ivory carving and Islamic art in Al-Andalus.
- Made by artists of the Madinat al-Zahra workshops during the Umayyad dynasty
- c. 968
- The material is carved ivory with traces of jade
- Was likely made in Umayyad-ruled Spain
Form
- The Pyxis is 16cm tall and 11cm wide, and made of carved ivory from an elephant tusk
- There is inlaid jade and several other precisions stones
- Ivory was durable, smooth, elegant, and easily carved
- This made it highly desirable for the creation of pyxides (the plural of pyxis)
- Highly portable, they were often given as gifts.
Function
- In Al-Andalus, ivory objects, including Pyxides, were bestowed upon members of the royal family
- Specifically sons, wives and daughters on important or memorable occasions, such as a marriage, birth or coming of age
- Later they were given as Caliphal gifts to important allies, such as the Berbers, who are the indigenous peoples of North Africa, many of whom converted to Islam and swore their allegiance to the Umayyad Caliphs in Spain.
- The practical function was to carry perfumes and other cosmetics
Content
- The pyxis is decorated with four eight-lobed medallions
- These medallions are surrounded by figures and animals, including falconers, wrestlers, griffons, peacocks, birds, goats and animals to be hunted
- Each medallion has princely iconography
- Although Islamic art is commonly viewed as an-iconic, human and animal figures play an important role in iconography
Context
- A Pyxis is a cylindrical contained for holding cosmetics
- This was a coming of age gift for al Mughira, the 18-year-old daughter of the caliph of the Umayyad dynasty
- Best surviving example of the tradition of carved ivory in Islamic Spain
- Spain was home to some of the most impressive Islamic art and architecture
- Ivory was part of the mediterranean art tradition, so this work is an example of local artistic tradition blended with Islamic themes
- This comes from the royal workshop of Madinat al-Zahra, which was one of the wealthiest cities in Umayyad-ruled Spain
- The work is currently located in the Louvre
Cross Cultural Comparison
- The Palette of King Narmer (no. 13)
- The Grave Stele of Hegeso (no. 36)
- The Relief sculpture from Chavín (no. 153)
