Ivory Plaque

This octagonal shaped ivory panel is made up of four triangular plaques set within a wooden frame. Each of the four plaques is carved in deep relief with an intricate foliated scrollwork pattern. This single panel would have formed part of a larger composition of ivory and wooden panels, probably decorating the side of a Mamluk (647-914 AH/1250-1517 CE) minbar (religious pulpit). The fine carving of this panel reflects the high technical skill of Mamluk craftsmanship, which no doubt came with the royal patronage of both the building’s architectural and structural furnishings. Such decorative elements also demonstrate the important role Mamluk architecture played within religious patronage, not only as a means of legitimizing their rule, but also within Muslim umma. The building of many Mamluk mosques and madrasas, which include furnishings such as this minbar panel, are testimonies of this patronage.