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What is the title of the artwork?
What is the title of the artwork?
Pyxis of al-Mughira
What culture does the Pyxis of al-Mughira belong to?
What culture does the Pyxis of al-Mughira belong to?
Umayyad
What is the date associated with the Pyxis of al-Mughira?
What is the date associated with the Pyxis of al-Mughira?
968-1492
What is the content area of the Pyxis of al-Mughira?
What is the content area of the Pyxis of al-Mughira?
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What material is the Pyxis of al-Mughira made of?
What material is the Pyxis of al-Mughira made of?
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What is a pyxis?
What is a pyxis?
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To whom was this particular pyxis a gift?
To whom was this particular pyxis a gift?
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Where is the Pyxis of al-Mughira now located?
Where is the Pyxis of al-Mughira now located?
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This artwork is one of the best surviving examples of the royal ivory carving tradition in ___?
This artwork is one of the best surviving examples of the royal ivory carving tradition in ___?
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When did Muslims control the lands of the Iberian Peninsula?
When did Muslims control the lands of the Iberian Peninsula?
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Identify two remarkable monuments of Islamic art found in Al-Andalus.
Identify two remarkable monuments of Islamic art found in Al-Andalus.
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Identify four characteristics of ivory that made it highly desirable for the creation of diptychs and pyxides.
Identify four characteristics of ivory that made it highly desirable for the creation of diptychs and pyxides.
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The Pyxis of al-Mughira is decorated with four ___ which are surrounded by figures and animals.
The Pyxis of al-Mughira is decorated with four ___ which are surrounded by figures and animals.
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What does the image of two men collecting eggs from the nests of falcons symbolize?
What does the image of two men collecting eggs from the nests of falcons symbolize?
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What does the man with the scepter and flask symbolize?
What does the man with the scepter and flask symbolize?
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What does the figure with the fan symbolize?
What does the figure with the fan symbolize?
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What does the term 'aniconic' mean?
What does the term 'aniconic' mean?
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What do lions symbolize in Islamic art?
What do lions symbolize in Islamic art?
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To what does the date-palm allude?
To what does the date-palm allude?
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What were the circumstances of al-Mughira's death?
What were the circumstances of al-Mughira's death?
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Study Notes
Pyxis of al-Mughira Overview
- The Pyxis of al-Mughira is a cylindrical box designed primarily for cosmetics.
- It was crafted during the Umayyad period, highlighting the artistic achievements of Islamic Spain.
Historical Context
- The artwork dates from 968 to 1492, a significant time when Muslims held dominion over the Iberian Peninsula (711-1492).
- Al-Mughira, son of a caliph, was the recipient of this exquisite gift.
Artistic Significance
- Now housed in The Louvre, this piece exemplifies the royal ivory carving tradition in Al-Andalus (Islamic Spain).
- The craftsmanship reflects a blend of cultural influences from the Islamic world combined with local traditions.
Material and Attributes
- Made from ivory, known for its durability, smooth texture, elegance, and ease of carving, making it a preferred material for artistic objects like diptychs and pyxides.
Iconography and Symbolism
- The pyxis features eight-lobed medallions adorned with figures and animals such as falconers, wrestlers, griffons, peacocks, goats, and other hunted animals.
- Scenes include two men collecting falcon eggs, symbolizing the Umayyad legitimization of power.
- A depicted figure holding a scepter and flask represents the Umayyad caliph, while another figure portrayed with a fan symbolizes the Abbasids.
Cultural References
- The absence of human figures in some parts reflects aniconic representation, a common practice in Islamic art.
- Lions featured in the artwork symbolize the victorious Umayyads, asserting their dominance and strength.
- A date-palm motif alludes to the lost lands of the East, enriching the narrative and historical reference embedded within the piece.
Historical Implications
- Al-Mughira's life ended under suspicious circumstances; following his brother's death, he was executed due to perceived threats to Hisham II's power.
Architectural Commissions in Al-Andalus
- Notable Islamic art monuments in Al-Andalus include the Great Mosque of Cordoba and the Alhambra Palace, showcasing the wealth and sophistication of the period's architecture and artistic expression.
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Description
Explore key terms and concepts related to the Pyxis of al-Mughira, a significant artifact from the Umayyad culture. This quiz covers its definition, material, and historical context, including its date of creation. Perfect for those studying Early Europe and Colonial Americas.
