Unique Medieval Ivory Archer’s Ring Found at Hasankeyf

Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a rare medieval ivory archer’s ring at Hasankeyf, dating to the 12th–13th centuries. This unique find, decorated with pearls, turquoise, and silver, sheds light on the Artuqid dynasty’s court culture and the symbolic role of archery in medieval Islamic society.

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Unique Medieval Ivory Archer’s Ring Found at Hasankeyf

A Rare Discovery

During the 2025 excavation season at the Artuqid Great Palace in Hasankeyf, southeastern Turkey, archaeologists unearthed an extraordinary ivory archer’s ring (known as a zihgir). The discovery was made under the Türkiye’s Heritage for the Future Project, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zekai Erdal of Mardin Artuklu University. Its location within the palace strongly suggests it belonged to a member of the ruling elite.

Hasankeyf: A Crossroads of Civilizations

• Situated along the Tigris River in Batman Province, Hasankeyf has been continuously inhabited for nearly 12,000 years.
• Civilizations including the Romans, Byzantines, Artuqids, Ayyubids, and Ottomans left their mark on the city.
• Under the Artuqid dynasty, Hasankeyf flourished as a political and cultural capital, with monumental palaces and fortifications.

Craftsmanship and Ornamentation

The ring is remarkable for both its material and decoration:

• Ivory: A rare and costly resource in the medieval Islamic world, reserved for luxury items.
• Pearls: Set in neat rows along the shield.
• Turquoise stone: Embedded in a diamond-shaped platform.
• Silver inlays: Circular, diagonal, and triangular motifs adorn the finger opening and body.
• The design reflects geometric harmony and elite craftsmanship.

Symbolism of Archery

In medieval Turkic and Islamic societies:

• Archery was not only a military skill but also a marker of noble identity.
• The zihgir, worn on the thumb, symbolized martial ability and social rank.
• While simpler rings were used in practice, richly decorated examples like this one served as status symbols and ceremonial objects.

Why This Find Is Unique

• Comparative studies show no other pearl-inlaid archer’s ring has been identified to date.
• Similar luxury rings exist in collections such as the Topkapı Palace Museum, but none match the Hasankeyf artifact’s combination of ivory, pearls, turquoise, and silver.
• This makes the discovery one-of-a-kind in Islamic art history.

Preserving Heritage

The find underscores the importance of ongoing archaeological work at Hasankeyf. Conservation efforts will ensure the ring becomes a key reference for future studies on:

• Islamic art
• Medieval court culture
• Archery traditions

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Conclusion

The ivory archer’s ring from Hasankeyf is more than a decorative artifact—it is a symbol of power, prestige, and cultural sophistication in the Artuqid world. Its uniqueness enriches our understanding of medieval Islamic craftsmanship and highlights Hasankeyf’s enduring role as a center of civilization.

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Source: Arkeonews – Unique Medieval Ivory Archer’s Ring Discovered at Hasankeyf