Umayyad Al-Andalus Art: Ivory Carvings of Madinat Al-Zahara

Theme 6: The Art of Umayyad Al-Andalus (III): Sculpture and Luxuries

Ivories

We found rooms with patios and a pool in the center, next to the mosque. We do not know whether they were designed for ablutions or were homes for people guarding the mosque.

The Caliphate carvers were mainly located in Madinat al-Zahara. In the tenth century, the rulers chose a lifestyle of opulent luxury, pretending to emulate the eastern Abbasid court through luxury goods. Cordoba became a focus of production and consumption of enormous quantities of these goods. The pieces are uniform in their artistry because they are all carved. The technique comes from Byzantium but disappeared after the Taifa kingdoms. In the twelfth century, the monk Theophilus wrote about these techniques.

Ivory is a luxury material that must be imported. It is a soft material of organic origin, with low hardness, which is equated to wood because it uses the same tools. The process is performed as follows:

• First, the tusk's material is extracted, removing the cover. This yields a compact, white secretion called dentin, which increases the percentage of water and organic matter, thus increasing resistance.
• A fraction of a tusk is cut. It is shaped into a box and emptied inside, making it one piece.
• After the late tenth century, tooth plates were extracted and used to build larger pieces by joining these plates with small ivory screws. They were softened to make them more ductile.
• Then, the decorations were carved using the excavation technique.
• Interiors are fully covered.
• A lead pencil is used.

There are two types of objects: rectangular boxes and boats. The carvers used fittings with silver or gold niello burin carving. These were made for the Palatine area, for the monarchy and their family. At other times, they were used to showcase diplomatic gifts through their content.

The most important workshop was located in Madinat al-Zahara. In 946, the mint moved to Madinat al-Zahara, becoming the official craft center, which included the monarch's workshops.

The Silos Diptych

The Silos Diptych is the oldest piece from the Caliphate period, originating from the workshop of Madinat al-Zahara. It is dated to the year 960-961. For a long time, it was in the monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos. It happened to become a shrine, so its external appearance may have changed.

It is a cylinder made from a fang, smoothed and emptied. It consists of two valves that are articulated through metal hinges. It may have silver fittings. The decoration inside is concentrated, so it was likely held open for viewing. The fittings invade the rough decoration. There are five receptacles, excavated and concave, that align on both sides.

Plasterwork decoration is used. There is a lot of depth, creating a high-relief effect and chiaroscuro. An inscription is repeated four times, stating that it was made for the daughter of Abd-al Rahman III in the year 960-961. This coincides with the time of the caliph's death, as he died soon after. He had 16 daughters, so we do not know which one it was designed for.

The traditional theory believes that it is a cosmetic case, which is incorrect. The current theory is that it is a board for a game called Manqala. It is the only piece of this typology that has survived from the Caliphate era.