The Transmission Of Artistic Styles In The Near East Through Ivories

Abstract

In ancient times, ivory was utilized in the manufacture of multiple rare objects, as demonstrated by ivory artifacts that have survived in good condition; among them are outstanding examples displayed in numerous museums. Ivory objects are among the most remarkable archaeological remains, attesting to human skill across the different civilizations of the Near East. Despite the limited size of ivory compared to other raw materials such as clay, wood, and metals, artisans succeeded in exploiting this material through a variety of techniques. The use of ivory became widespread across various civilizations, with notable achievements in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the cities of the Phoenician coast alike. The influence among these cultures was mutual, as they used similar techniques and revealed creativity in producing distinctive ivories in terms of form and decorative motifs.