 |
Many
ivories were carved in a manner that relates to the style and themes known
from several sites in Syria. Typical of Syrian-style ivories are figures
with oval faces, a large nose and eyes, a small mouth, and a receding chin;
plants with a long, wavy stem; and a winged sun disc with pendant volute
curls. Sculpted in the round either singly or in groups, nude female figures
with elaborately curled tresses and wearing diadems are particularly striking
examples of the Syrian style of ivory carving. A number of Syrian plaques
show single figures in profile. Such plaques were juxtaposed in symmetrical
compositions to form large furniture elements like chair backs. It is thought
that Syrian-style ivories were made primarily in the ninth and early eighth
centuries B.C.
|
