Very Large Bactrian Copper Armband with Animal-Headed Terminals

Penannular armband with shallow D-section hoop and terminals formed as stylised ram-heads, each with exaggerated coiled horns, circular eyes set with cream-coloured beads and shallow semi-circular muzzles; transverse bands of geometric motifs along the neck. 616 grams, 10.4 cm



with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s. Private collection, London, UK.

The bracelet is a product of the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex ('BMAC', also developed from the 'Oxus Civilisation'), which was the dominant culture in the 3rd and 2nd millennium (often dated to c. 2250-1700 B.C.) in that area, corresponding roughly to modern Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The members of the group practised animal husbandry and a limited form of agriculture, with wheeled carts from the 4th millennium B.C. Its craftsmen were proficient at working metals and alloys, including bronze, copper, silver, and gold. Fortified sites with multiple walls are another notable BMAC development.

Depicting the head of a bird with a large loop on the reverse, accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Decorative 'Badge' of Bronze 48 x 42 x 14 mm. This is flat, with a loop on the back, through which would be threaded a strap or cord so that the object would decorate the person or animal to which it was attached. The object depicts the head of a bird of prey in a flat engraved surface, with big eye, beak with curving end, and projections above the head. The neck has a ruff consisting of seven 'rays' ending in circles, four pointing one way, three the opposite way and joining in the middle. This comes from eastern Iran or west central Asia and dates to c. 1000-200 B.C. There is chipping of the end of the beak and of one of the circles, and the piece is a little worn and bent, but it is generally in good condition.' 14.8 grams, 48 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly report, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.

Composed of small oblate beads with larger oblate and oval beads as the central feature, restrung. 29 grams, 35 cm



Acquired in the 1990s. Ex London, UK, collection.