Reconsidering Tusk and Bone: An analysis of the Forms, Functions and Perceptions of Anglo-Saxon Ivories, c.500-1066
Lyndsey Smith
It is the purpose of this thesis to reconsider ivories early medieval England with an in-depth analysis drawing on various disciplinary approaches. The last extensive published scholarly work these was that produced over forty years ago by John Beckwith (Ivory Carvings in Early Medieval England, 1972). Since then there has been little way investigation objects beyond occasional studies individual form articles or as entries catalogues museum collections – even more rarely, a passing mention within monographs Anglo-Saxon art general. 
While Beckwith’s publication was, comparison, comprehensive its coverage, were, nevertheless, some were not included cases because they have come light since 1972. Generally speaking, however, trend consider only relation continental workshops (namely, Carolingian, Merovingian Italian centres production), and most discussions them from formalist historical point view, concentrating style rather than materiality iconography. Such approaches fail acknowledge full potential ivories.
To remedy situation, will situate collection between 1850-2015 means explaining nature scholarship it exists today. This be followed chapters first, examine materiality, archaeology, economic footprint social/cultural perception ivory England; second, re-assess (potentially Anglo-Saxon) carvings; third, considers iconographic significances carvings order ecclesiastical milieux which emerged. In closing, brought together perceptions value invested through their embellishments (precious metals stones) iconography material wider world.