I’ve been quiet lately.  Sorry about that (lots of projects on my plate, lots of items still needing to be done).

At any rate, I’ve been quiet as I’ve been working on my Queen’s Prize project.

I’ve been intrigued by this little bone icon found in Israel since its discovery in 2011, and even more so since it was found in a Byzantine mansion in the City of David dating to my persona’s time period of the 6th century.

I am happy with this piece, but I see places for improvement.  I also see room for trying out new techniques (and ways to not sand my fingertips off with a Dremel).

With this particular item being considered a “rare find,” it does remind me that being on the path of early Byzantium isn’t easy – Iconoclasm starting in the mid-eighth century and again in the early ninth century means that physical objects and representations may not exist.  A few items were kept safe, however, the lacuna of knowledge is still pretty great.  Nevertheless, finding those connections and trying out the ideas in some surprising ways is pretty fun, and adds a meaning and a context to the person I’m trying to portray.  This was the first time I worked with making my own egg tempera, as well as carving my own box out of bone.

My documentation for the bone box can be found here.  If you have questions, please feel free to ask them!