Carved ivory three dimensional puzzle or 'whimsy'

carved puzzle

A 'whimsy' or puzzle, carved from individual pieces of ivory, each identical in shape except for a singular piece that when identified and removed, allows for remaining interlocking pieces to be removed, one at a time, from the circular pattern; a popular subject for hand carving, often referred to as a 'crown of thorns' and rarely found executed in a material other than wood; see also 2014.64 and 2001.128.1