The imagery on the mantle is very striking as it is meant to exemplify Roger II's power and victory over the previous dynasty. It is an example of heraldry, specifically with lions being symbolic of a powerful, male ruler. The two lions, separated by a central palm tree, are each attacking a camel. This scene evokes a feeling of domination through its display of primal violence. The sense of drama taking place in this piece, alongside of the decoration and color used to create it makes the mantle a spectacular article of clothing. These lions are addorsed, designed stylistically instead of a more realistic portrayal. There are also calls to the cosmos and constellations from the star shapes on the lion's heads. The mantle's pan-Mediterranean influence is brought out in the materials used to create it, the way it was made, and its design.