Five medieval ivory horns and their meaning

Abstract AR

Examination of thirty-one oliphants* found in Runnel's book on Islamic Ivories reveals the existence of five such artifacts with human figures or heads, or sirens as decorative elements.

Following a historical background on the ivory-objects production around the Mediterranean, .the study identifies the meaning of the decorative engravings found on these five horns.

It also reveals the fact that these oliphants were used as military honours.

The study divulges the pan-Mediterranean style prevalent in.

these homs arid proves their association with the Southern Italian Crusaders of the late half of the'twelfth century.

It then demonstrates the relationship of these oliphants with the failure of the Fatimids and the success of the Crusaders as they established the Latin Kingdom in Jerusalem.