Olifant-reliquary

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Olifant-reliquary crafted from Sicilian ivory, transformed by a Mosan workshop around 1160-1180. The intricate piece features ivory, repoussé, openwork, chased and gilded cast copper elements. Originating from the Saint Servatius Church treasury in Maastricht, this relic now resides at the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire in Brussels, Belgium. The 11th and 12th centuries saw Sicilian artisans specialize in carving olifants, or elephant tusk hunting horns, into intricate works of art. Upon its arrival in Mosan, this particular olifant was repurposed as a reliquary, likely due to its perceived value as a curiosity or a relic from a saint. The Mosan craftsmen then adorned it with gold accents showcasing apostles, prophets and virtues. Stay updated on the latest discoveries by following me on Twitter at @GeoffreyMarchal (https://twitter.com/GeoffreyMarchal).