Pair of Apostles c. 11th century

Editor: Here we have a small plaque depicting a "Pair of Apostles" made by an unknown artist. It's quite small, only about 3x2 inches. What strikes me is the apparent roughness of the material. What can you tell me about it? Curator: The rough texture speaks volumes about the means of its production. Was this mass-produced for a popular audience, or a singular commission? The uneven finish challenges notions of "high art," forcing us to consider the social context in which such objects were consumed. Editor: That's really interesting. I hadn't considered the implications of the material itself. Curator: Indeed. Consider the labor involved, the accessibility of the materials, and the intended market. Each element informs our understanding. Editor: I see now. Analyzing the materiality really opens up new avenues for interpretation.