Surprisingly, this militaristic image is a depiction of the Virgin Mary. She sits on an elaborately carved throne, her arms bent as if ready for action. Indeed, this type of image refers to her role as protector of the church. But the prominent halo and long, cross-topped scepter reveal her divine nature. The spindles in her other hand provide another, more subtle clue. They refer to the veil she was weaving at the moment of the Annunciation, when the Archangel Gabriel informs her that she will be the mother of Christ. Look at other details… The intricate pattern lining the edges of the tablet is what is known as an egg and dart motif. This decorative embellishment first appeared on Classical monuments, and was greatly admired and copied in the Middle Ages. On the upper right and left corners, peacocks serve as symbolic references to the resurrection of Christ.

This ivory plaque was carved in the early 800s during the Carolingian period—the age of Charlemagne. Crowned emperor in Rome on Christmas day of the year 800, Charlemagne consolidated vast areas of Europe into his powerful empire. Although the original function of this plaque is uncertain, the holes in the corners suggest that it may have decorated a book cover.