5 Pyxis, sixth century. The
reclining figure represents the
allegory of the Nile and
determines the Egyptian
origin of the ivory

the authorities are still in dispute over which pieces should be
assigned to which centre. There are a few examples however which
can be attributed to Egypt with little doubt. The most important is a
pyxis of the sixth century at Wiesbaden ( Ill. 5 ), for its decoration
includes such obviously Egyptian subjects as a sphinx and the
allegory of Father Nile. Other pyxides, which bear subjects connected
with St Maenas---there is one in the British Museum ( Ill. 6 )---are
also to be regarded as Egyptian, for it was there that the Saint's
principal shrine was situated and there that his cult flourished most
vigorously.

6 Pyxis bearing a figure
of St Maenas in a niche,
his hands raised in prayer.
His principal shrine was
near Alexandria and it is
likely that the pyxis was
carved there

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