Ivory Lid
Cordova, Spain
999 AD/389 AH
Gallery 24, Islamic Art

History

The art of ivory carving was at its height when this prestigious lid was created. Little is known about the craftsmen who carved the ivories, and only about 20 survive from this period. An enormous elephant tusk must have been imported from East Africa to create this four inch diameter lid, as only the pointed end can be used and tusks are hollow at the base.
The ivory comes from the Cordova area of Spain, which in 999 AD was ruled by the Arab Umayyad dynasty. It was owned by the vizier Abu’l Mutarrif ibn al-Mansur Abu ’Amir Muhammad ibn Abu ’Amir. The vizier was the chief minister of the ruling Caliph Hisham II, but in practise was a dictator controlling all affairs of state. Around the circumference is an inscription giving the date it was made and the name of the young vizier. It is not known if it was a gift, or was commissioned by him.