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• 1 2022-06-16T12:39:20-07:00 What does this tell us about the crusades? 12 plain 2023-01-23T06:41:23-08:00 The crusaders became representatives of a new militant church as they set out to seize Jerusalem from the Muslims, claiming this Holy City in the name of Christianity. This period has historically been characterized as a "clash of religions", only consisting of war and violence. However, the crusades were a complicated phenomenon, and the crusades also had an impact on the creation of art. The movement of people during the crusades helped to carry art objects, trade goods, and visual traditions between North Africa, west Asia, and Europe. This ivory pen box is one of the countless items created during this era that witness these movements.
  

  
  
   

• 1 2022-06-16T12:46:22-07:00 Why was this made, and how was it used? 10 Pen Box, made in Amalfi, Italy, late 11th–early 12th century, ivory and bronze, H. 2 9/16 in. (6.5 cm) L. 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm) D. 2 9/16 in. (6.5 cm), New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 17.190.236, © The Metropolitan Museum of Art. plain 2023-01-22T14:55:39-08:00 Pen Box, made in Amalfi, Italy, late 11th–early 12th century, ivory and bronze, H. 2 9/16 in. (6.5 cm) L. 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm) D. 2 9/16 in. (6.5 cm), New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 17.190.236, © The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This pen box was used to house pens and other writing tools. Due to the fact that literacy and writing skills were rare in 11th-century Italy, the box served as a sign of elite status and skill. This box was made for the eldest Mansone son, Taurus, and was intended to highlight his scholarly abilities.