Madonna and Child 14th century elephant ivory

14th Century elephant ivory, Madonna and Child, found during excavations by Walter Andrew in 1922 at the Nun's Burial Ground, The Abbey, Romsey, Hampshire.

This is a rare and important survival of a Christian devotional object dating from the early 14th century. It was unearthed in the “Nun’s burial ground” at Romsey Abbey during excavations by antiquarian W. J. Andrew in 1922. Probably of French workmanship, the object is carved from elephant ivory, and traces of red paint survive in places.
Following the excavation the ivory was retained by Andrew, who exhibited it at the Society of Antiquaries in London in 1927. After Andrew’s death the ivory was sold at Sotheby’s in 1934 and effectively disappeared for more than sixty years.

In 1997 the ivory was offered for sale in Paris, and after raising the funds, it was acquired by Hampshire County Council museums Service.
An unfortunate occurrence between 1934 and 1996 lead to the loss of the Child’s head. This was restored by a conservator prior to the sale. The conservator suggested that the base of the ivory may have carried an inscription, but that is no longer visible today.

Sitefinds, C14th elephant ivory, Madonna and Child, found in association with bones, coffin nails and other items, during excavations by Walter Andrew in 1922, The Nun's Burial Ground, The Abbey, Romsey, HampshireThis is a rare and important survival o