The So-called Horn of Saint Blaise

The collection record classifies this work as ivory. It is dated 1100–1200. Recorded culture or place: South Italy or Sicily, 12th century.

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OBJECT RECORD

A closer look at the details.

Museum title: The So-called Horn of Saint Blaise
Date: 1100–1200
Culture / origin: South Italy or Sicily, 12th century
Materials and technique: ivory
Dimensions: Overall: 12 cm (4 3/4 in.)
Artist / maker: Not specified by the museum
Museum: The Cleveland Museum of Art
Accession number: 1930.740

FROM THE MUSEUM

In the museum’s words

The following description is reproduced from the Cleveland Museum of Art’s original English record.

This oliphant--a carved elephant tusk in the shape of a hunting horn--was likely carved in an Arab ivory workshop in South Italy or Sicily. It is masterfully shaped, with a series of six carved bands, the outer ring depicting scenes from a hunt. The earliest surviving inventory of the church of Saint Blaise from 1482-85 lists an oliphant decorated with silver rings and precious stones and known as the "Horn of Saint Blaise." By the 17th century, Saint Blaise was reputed to have used this very horn to summon the faithful to worship.

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