A PASTORAL STAFF (PATERITSA) IVORY HANDLE Possibly Armenia, Ottoman Provinces, 18th - 19th century  Of typical shape, carved as a pair of confronting dragons or serpents, the engraved almond-shaped eyes with residues of red paint, 4cm x 15.8cm. Handles with this specific design have often been connected to pastoral staves (pateritsai) used by the Armenian communities living in the East (Anatolia, Ottoman Provinces and Iran). The symbol of the snake acquires here a positive value, as epitome of prudence and wisdom, two pivotal characteristics for a community's pastor (Brigitte Pitarakis and Christos Merantzas, A Treasured Memory: Ecclesiastical Silver from Late Ottoman Istanbul in the Sevgi Gönül Collection, Turkey, 2006, p. 80). Our handle can be compared in shape and design to one made in Izmir, dating 18th century, and now preserved in the Armenian Monastery of San Lazzaro in Venice (ibidem, p. 174) and to another one part of the Sevgi Gönül Collection, published in the same book, fig. 59.  This item may require Export or CITES licences in order to leave the UK or the European Union. It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that lots have the relevant licences before shipping.