Phoenician


Ivory Winged Sphinx

Near Eastern (Phoenician)

replica: by artist Carrie Allen

gift of: the Nasser Family

date of the original: 9th-8th century BC 

provenance of the original: Fort Shalmaneser, Kalhu (Nimrud), Iraq; now in the British Museum, London

description: Ornamental sphinx. Plaster reproduction; ivory original. Height 5 cm, width 7 cm.

The ancient Phoenicians were renowned artisans and expert ivory carvers. Stylistically, Phoenician wares do not follow a strict artistic tradition, but show the influence of neighbouring cultures’ styles.

Egyptian influence can be clearly seen in this replica carving, which features a winged sphinx (see: Sphinx) adorned with the crown of Upper and Lower Egypt.