Leyre (or Pamplona) Casket of ‘Abd al-Malik al-Muzaffar, Umayyad Spain, c.1004AD

[Druzhina]

Leyre (or Pamplona) Casket of 'Abd al-Malik al-Muzaffar, Umayyad Spain, 1004-1005AD
This casket was made for 'Abd al-Malik al-Muzaffar and seems to have been commissioned to celebrate his victory of 1004-1005 over the kingdom of León, obtaining thus the caliphate of Hishâm II and the title of Sayf al-Dawla ('Sabre of the State').

Two medallions on the front panel of the lid of the casket display:
A horseman hunting a lion
A hunter on horse with a raptor
The three medallions on the front of the body present scenes from courtly life.
Two men seated on a throne
Three musicians playing the lute, a horn and a double flute
A man on a throne & two attendants
Rear panel of the lid.
Warriors on horse-sized elephants
Rear of the body of the casket.
Two horsemen fighting
A hunter defending himself with a shield against two lions
Two men mounted on elephants fighting

Late Umayyad Warriors by by Ian Heath based on the Leyre Casket of 'Abd al-Malik al-Muzaffar
The only riders noted by Ian Heath as not using stirrups are actually elephant riders.

Mirror Site:
Leyre (or Pamplona) Casket of 'Abd al-Malik al-Muzaffar, Umayyad Spain, 1004-1005AD

Druzhina
Illustrations of Spanish Costume & Soldiers

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

I would say the huntsman being attacked by two lions is in big trouble!
Again, amazing workmanship.

[Techno]

Do we know what's it's made of D ?
I can't decide whether it's wood or something like ivory....(Don't think I've missed that in the text ?)
How big's the casket ?

Cheers - Phil

[Druzhina]

Do we know what's it's made of D ?
I can't decide whether it's wood or something like ivory....(Don't think I've missed that in the text ?)
How big's the casket ?

Cheers - Phil

From Qantara:
Materials and techniques : Sculpted ivory (19 plaques of 1.4 cm thickness)
Dimensions : H. 23.6; W. 38.4; D. 23.7 cm

Druzhina
Illustrations of Costume & Soldiers

[Techno]

 

[Druzhina]

Andalusian Cavalryman, by Ian Heath, is also based on the Leyre Casket

Druzhina
Illustrations of Costume & Soldiers