- Period
- Byzantine
- Date
- 1000–1100s
- Collection
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Object no.
- 1924.747
Ivory Box with Scenes of Adam and Eve
Unknown maker, 1000–1100s
Cleveland Museum of Art · Gift of W. G. Mather, F. F. Prentiss, John L. Severance, J. H. Wade · Public domain
- Maker
- Unknown maker
- Date
- 1000–1100s
- Medium
- ivory, wood
- Dimensions
- Overall: 14.3 x 46.7 x 20.3 cm (5 5/8 x 18 3/8 x 8 in.)
- Period
- Byzantine
The record
Why it matters
Scenes from the Old Testament stories of Adam and Eve and their children, Cain and Abel, decorate this box, which may have been made to contain jewelry or small valuables. On its lid two plaques depict the creation of Adam and the creation of Eve from Adam’s rib. Two further plaques depict Cain slaying Abel: Cain throws a stone in the direction of Abel, who is hit by stones in the hip, chest, and head.