What does this tell us about the crusades?
The crusaders became representatives of the new militant church as they set out to seize Jerusalem from the Muslims, claiming this Holy City in the name of Christianity. The art, architecture, and furnishings of the papal state all reflected this viewpoint--most characteristically, portable objects that could easily travel between different locations.
The designs carved into this ivory box evoke a sense of intricacy and delicacy in order to emphasize the importance of the written word. This pen box re-affirms notions of cultural exchange that were forged by the crusades and the importance of African goods and their function. It represents a synthesis of a variety of cultures on one singular object.
Objects like this pen box serve as a cause for reflection: How did the assimilation of religious and artistic cultures impact not only the crusades, but the art that we encounter today?