When was this made?
This pyxis was made in the mid to late 13th century, in Mosul, Iraq. While pyxides had been used for centuries before the invention of this one, this one in particular is truly a time capsule. The images on the sides help us to understand the assimilation of cultures during this period. I think pyxides would have been especially useful during the Crusades, as people traveling long distances for long periods of time need a sturdy source of storage space. This pyxis is small enough for a Crusader to carry with him in order to hold his personal posessions, or perhaps it could be a gift to be brought home to his wife, as the quality is quite nice. Pyxides were helpful practically, and decorated in a way that reminded soldiers of who they believed they were fighting on behalf of.
