Title: Pyxis of Zamora
Date: 964 CE
Medium: Ivory with silver on hinge
Credit Line: object number 53113, National Archeological Museum of Spain
Al-Hakam commissioned the Pyxis of Zamora as a present to a concubine that gave him the most valuable gift: an heir to his throne. This beautiful box covered in vegetal ornaments was gifted to his favorite concubine, Subh, who became the mother of Abd al-Rahman and Hisham II. This Pyxis was made during the Caliphate of Cordoba in Umayyad Spain. Pyxides are royal gifts and fostered a sense of community, allowing those who commissioned them to show appreciation to the receiver. They often held luxury goods, including perfumes, jewelry, and cosmetics. Adding to their beauty and value, the pyxides are carved from Ivory. Pyxides were high-level gifts that often held second political, social, or cultural significance.
