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.