The natural shape of an elephant’s tusk was ingeniously adapted to make this situla, a bucket for holy water. Two rows of scenes from the life of Christ wrap around the vessel. Raised borders enclose these scenes, beautifully carved in a pattern of alternating gold lozenges and circles. The knobs lining the bronze handle echo the circles of these borders. Originally, there would have been an aspergillum as well, an implement used to sprinkle holy water over the altar and congregation.

Made in the late 800’s, this situla is one of the rarest works in the Museum’s collection of Medieval art. This is one of only four ivory situlas to survive from the Middle Ages. Simple, unadorned metal versions used during ordinary mass were more common. Richly carved ones like this were reserved for special occasions. This particular one may have been used as part of the coronation ceremony of a king.