Handle

9th–12th century

Not on view

The dot-in-circle motif recalls designs presumed to be of magical significance, most likely an abstract eye to ward off the evil-eye, which serves an apotropaic function. Easily reproduced with a tool and visible in many cultures and times, this symbol may have lost its meaning, and become simply a decorative pattern, or may have one that we have not yet discovered

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Title: Handle
Date: 9th–12th century
Geography: Attributed to Egypt
Medium: Bone; incised and inlaid with paint
Dimensions: H. 3 13/16 in. (9.7 cm)
Diam. 1 5/16 in. (3.4 cm)
Classification: Ivories and Bone
Credit Line: Gift of Nelly, Violet and Elie Abemayor, in memory of Michel Abemayor, 1978
Object Number: 1978.546.6
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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