Ivory figure: St Thomas Becket
Abstract
This carving from walrus ivory depicts the scene leading up to the murder of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170 by followers King Henry II. One knight holds an axe with which to break down the door of the Cathedral. There are two tonsured figures in the centre; the hole between them may have held a cross. The three figures to the front include an archbishop (or bishop) holding a staff and two clergymen.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Medieval European History and Architecture
Medieval Literature and History
Historical
Literary
and Cultural Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Publication date
- 11 March 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Dataset