Khalaf, Pyxis, c. 966, ivory with chased and nielloed silver-gilt mounts, made during the Umayyad dynasty in Spain (Hispanic Society of America)
This ancient pyxis is one of 200 objects featured in the traveling exhibition “Glory of Spain: Treasures from the Hispanic Society Museum & Library.” The exquisite, lidded container is sculpted out of ivory and dated to the mid-10th century during the reign of the Umayyad dynasty in Spain. Aimée Froom, MFAH curator of Art of the Islamic worlds, delves into the meaning of this pyxis, which helps chronicle the emergence of Islam in the region and showcases the diverse art and culture of Spain.
