How was ivory used in medieval Christian art?

In medieval Christian art, ivory was a highly valued medium used for both sacred liturgical objects and secular luxury items. Early Christian ivory carving is exemplified by 4th-century works like the Brescia casket, which featured relief carvings of Old and New Testament scenes. Throughout the Middle Ages, depictions of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Apostles remained the primary subject matter for European figurative ivory carvings.1

During the Carolingian Renaissance, artists began using walrus ivory as an alternative to elephant tusks to create crucifixes, reliquaries, and the covers of psalters. This tradition continued into the Ottonian period, which produced notable situlae (holy-water buckets) adorned with scenes from the life of Christ. Romanesque artisans further utilized ivory for pastoral staffs, tau crosses, and reliquaries.1

By the Gothic period, while the focus of monumental art shifted toward cathedrals and stained glass, workshops continued to produce ivory diptychs and triptychs featuring religious scenes. Additionally, ivory was crafted into utilitarian objects such as combs, caskets, and chess pieces, which sometimes incorporated secular themes like courtly love.12