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What is the Pyxis of al-Mughira?

1) A royal ivory carving from Al-Andalus
2) A painting in the Louvre museum
3) A sculpture from Islamic Spain
4) A manuscript from the Madinat al-Zahra workshops

User Momocow
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1 Answer

1 vote

Final answer:

The Pyxis of al-Mughira is an ornately carved ivory container from Islamic Spain, specifically Al-Andalus in the year 968 CE. It demonstrates the cross-cultural craftsmanship and luxury of Spain and was created in the royal workshops of Madinat al-Zahra. Option 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Pyxis of al-Mughira is a royal ivory carving from Al-Andalus, making it option 1). This precious art object, created in 968 CE, is intricately carved from ivory and adorned with vegetal motifs and Arabic inscriptions.

Originating from the workshops of Madinat al-Zahra in Córdoba, Spain, the pyxis demonstrates the luxurious lifestyle and skilled craftsmanship of Islamic Spain. It reflects the extensive trade networks and multicultural influences of the era, blending Christian and Islamic scenes and epigraphy, as is evident in other pyxides of the period.

As an object of immense value, these pyxides were sought after by people across religious and political lines and were crafted by skilled artisans. The Pyxis of al-Mughira likely held precious items such as perfumes or relics and reveals the confluence of different cultural influences during the time.

The pyxides from Islamic Spain, particularly the Pyxis of al-Mughira, were not only indulgences of the elite but also objects of trade and gifts.

Moreover, these luxury items were sometimes captured as and even revered as reliquaries in Christian contexts. The existence of these containers today is a testament to the sophisticated art and global commerce of medieval Iberia.

So Option 1.

User Biruk Abebe
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