Diptych with inscription Egypt, AD 661-677

The inscription begins (top left-hand panel) by invoking the name of Agathon (AD 661-677), the reigning patriarch of Alexandria, followed by that of the local bishop, Pesyntheos of Hermonthis. The text goes on to mention the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, the four evangelists and the remaining apostles. Further lines list the former patriarchs of Alexandria and local bishops. Interspersed with these names are parts of prayers.

This is an extraordinarily rare example of a liturgical ivory that was probably used during the Mass at the commemoration of the names of patriarchs, bishops, and benefactors, both living and dead.