Anatolian ivories ; Hittite affiliations in light of new findings

The objective of this study is to re-evaluate the formation of Hittite traditions and characteristics through the medium of ivory carving. Archaeological finds in Anatolia provided evidence for the provenance and chronology of well-known works of ivories. These findings presented new historical perspectives in which to view the early development of an Anatolian branch of ivory carving and Hittite traits observable in these minor art forms.\ud A background is given on the various schools of ivory carving operative in the ancient Near East during the second and first millennium B.C. The main areas of ivory production are discussed in relation to the early Anatolian branch.\ud The nature of Hittite art and its distinctive traits are projected in some detail in order to relate the minor art forms of the Hittites to the monumental works in stone. Ivories found in Anatolia as well as works discovered in areas outside the Hittite capital are related to the general Hittite style through a comparison of stylistic and iconographical details.\ud An extension of Hittite influence is shown in the portrayal of symbols and motifs in ivories and in sculptural reliefs of the Neo-Hittite period. Evidence is provided to support the hypothesis that Anatolian/Hittite traditions were extensive and far-reaching and that these traditions are observable in the minor art of ivory carving. Recent archaeological discoveries and studies on the finds provide a major portion of the material on which this study is based