The art of Norman Sicily is a striking mixture of Byzantine, Fatimid and other elements, just like Siculo-Norman society itself. Islamic influence can be seen, for example, in wares which use pseudo-Arabic “calligraphy” as a decorative motif. Much Siculo-Norman art is in ivory, which was a popular material for making caskets or boxes, often with a characteristic truncated-pyramid lid. Some of these boxes are quite austere, while others are painted with lively ornament including calligraphic inscriptions, animals and human figures.