Cantilever from the 11th century

The cantilever from the 11th century is the piece of the month in the Museum of the Alhambra in November. This free activity, organised by the Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife, is to be held every Saturday in November, starting at 12:00 in Room III, by María del Carmen López Pertíñez, Doctor of Art History.
The ledge/cantilever kept in the Museum of the Alhambra is one of the most interesting wooden objects from the 11th-century Granada. The wooden material is frail, which has conditioned its conservation, so as it is rare to find pieces from ancient times preserved until today.
The piece has many alterations by longitudinal and horizontal cuts, so its size and uses have been reduced considerably. The cuts were possibly made in recent times, because of its discovery and the interest it received for its excellent carving and valuable decoration. Today it is possible to recreate some of the characteristics of its original appearance, like its original size and part of the missing decoration, by both its preserved features and the aesthetical affinity with other pieces from Granada with similar uses and chronology.
As well this piece as its parallels from Granada are close to the horizontal supporting elements, in connection with ceilings and linteled structures, so they unfold different possibilities when recreating or determining the characteristics of Zirid architecture. Furthermore, they had a supporting function and they are the first stage in the analysis of the evolution of this type of elements and its later development until the Nasrid period.
The city of Granada, which had been left in the late Roman period, resurged during the 11th century. The remains of this period that have survived until today give an idea of the importance and magnitude of the city in the Taifa period. Knowing their provenience helps to recreate the city’s extent and bloom. Objects like the present one help to elucidate part of the scene which soon would yield new constructions, which is characteristic of the progressive development of the city.
Opening hours: Every Saturday in November, except 20 November, at 12:00 noon.
Location: Room III, Museum of the Alhambra, Palace of Charles V.