The Crucifixion
Southern Italian (Salerno or Amalfi)
About 1100
Ivory
Width 11.7 cm x height 20 cm
Private collection

Ivory was seen as a luxury material throughout the Middle Ages.  It was carved into many forms, including statuettes and plaques for bookcovers.  Before 1200 these objects were mostly religious, but in the Gothic period there was striking growth in the secular market, and ivory was then used for mirror backs, combs and caskets.