AN OVERVIEW OF IVORY CARVING IN OLD MESOPOTAMIA IN THE LIGHT OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDINGS AND WRITTEN DOCUMENTS

The ivory, a luxurious product, has been a sign of respectability and wealth in ancient times. In the second half of the second millennium B.C., the use of ivory had been spread a wide geographic areas such as Mesopotamia, Levant, Cyprus, Egypt and Aegean regions. Ivory had become an essential raw material in the international trade. In this study we tried to determine the usage areas of ivory and the works made of ivory in Mesopotamia by examining archaeological finds and written documents. Ivory has been an indispensable product in the decoration of palaces and temples. Furnishings decorated ivory pieces have enriched the furniture. Make-up boxes and sticks, fan, comb, hair pins and mirror-like objects were made for women. Among the works made of Ivory are a wide range of products musical instruments and from small figurines to cult item