The Ear Ring

I was so excited to see him face to face and to see his earring wasn't just a blob of paint but clearly recognizable as an ear ring - just fantastic.

This is my piece...now my IE question. I don't wont to compare it with anything as it's not a good picture but discussing how and why it was made , what it represents and it's purpose seems reasonable basis for the IE.
So, I was thinking of..

What was the function of the Black in the early sixteenth century Devonshire Rood Screen from the V&A collection ?

....or something thing like that as I'd like to link a discussion of Gothic Rood screens (LOCATING/MAKING Renaissance Art ) and the Black (VIEWING).