Bactria Amulet with Symbolic Rosette Cross formed by Incised Circles -- SOLD
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This ancient Bactrian amulet carved as a rosette with mythical symbols of incised circles in a double cross design is from a civilization dating from 3000 B.C. to 1600 B.C. That civilization was replaced by later inhabitants that have also been replaced, or at least their culture developed in a new direction. But in the third millennium B.C., some 5,000 years ago, the myths that informed the culture were expressed in designs on stone amulets, seals, and vessels of various kinds. The myths were acted out in monumental temples.
From the ruins of the temples and the extensive finds from the tombs, the temporal objects produced by the ancient Bactrian culture were excavated and have been interpreted by Dr. Victor Sarianidi in his book, Myths of Ancient Bactria and Margiana....
This particular amulet has been in our collection for some years; we acquired it from a dealer in antiquities in Afghanistan, the modern location of ancient Bactria. When Dr. Sarianidi visited our home to view our collection, he identified this amulet as Bactrian. In fact, it is similar to the seal/amulet numbered 1263 on page 237 in the book named above. Such seal/amulets were made of a white stone sometimes identified as limestone, but very much more dense and smooth than limestone objects usually are.
The design on the amulet depicted above is complex. First, the edge of the amulet is not only shaped by 13 petals, but the edge is incised with fine lines all around. Each of the circles contain another circle in lower relief; this inside circle is not round but has cogs around it, apparently six cogs, judging from the outside circles that are not filled in with earth that obscures the cogs on the small circles.
The circles on the front appear at first glance to be placed randomly across the face of the amulet/seal. But when observed more closely, we see that the design resolves into 2 crosses: one in the shape of a + while the other forms the shape of an x.
The amulet is decorated on the back around the handle with 4 circles that are more conventional for the Bactrian stone engraver: concentric circles that look like eyelets. Between the circles the engraver made simple shallow holes.
The piece was worn smooth and shiny, showing that it was worn for a long time before passing on to the grave with the wearer.
Measurements: 4 cm diameter; 1.4 cm thick.
From the ruins of the temples and the extensive finds from the tombs, the temporal objects produced by the ancient Bactrian culture were excavated and have been interpreted by Dr. Victor Sarianidi in his book, Myths of Ancient Bactria and Margiana....
This particular amulet has been in our collection for some years; we acquired it from a dealer in antiquities in Afghanistan, the modern location of ancient Bactria. When Dr. Sarianidi visited our home to view our collection, he identified this amulet as Bactrian. In fact, it is similar to the seal/amulet numbered 1263 on page 237 in the book named above. Such seal/amulets were made of a white stone sometimes identified as limestone, but very much more dense and smooth than limestone objects usually are.
The design on the amulet depicted above is complex. First, the edge of the amulet is not only shaped by 13 petals, but the edge is incised with fine lines all around. Each of the circles contain another circle in lower relief; this inside circle is not round but has cogs around it, apparently six cogs, judging from the outside circles that are not filled in with earth that obscures the cogs on the small circles.
The circles on the front appear at first glance to be placed randomly across the face of the amulet/seal. But when observed more closely, we see that the design resolves into 2 crosses: one in the shape of a + while the other forms the shape of an x.
The amulet is decorated on the back around the handle with 4 circles that are more conventional for the Bactrian stone engraver: concentric circles that look like eyelets. Between the circles the engraver made simple shallow holes.
The piece was worn smooth and shiny, showing that it was worn for a long time before passing on to the grave with the wearer.
Measurements: 4 cm diameter; 1.4 cm thick.
This item is sold. For photos, descriptions, prices, shipping policies and Certificates of Authenticity
CONTACT ME through the private message form above right.
