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Object Label

The Achaemenid rulers of ancient Persia favored images of lions with their mouths open in a snarl or roar. On these gold jewelry
elements, the lions are shown complete or as heads only, in both fairly realistic and highly decorative forms. The gold head of a bull, another dangerous animal, seems almost placid in comparison. The pin decorated with an ibex, or wild mountain goat, was used to fasten garments.

Caption

Achaemenid; Persian. Dress Ornament, 6th–5th century B.C.E.. Gold, 1 13/16 × 2 5/16 in. (4.6 × 5.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alastair Bradley Martin, 70.142.11.

Title

Dress Ornament

Date

6th–5th century B.C.E.

Period

Probably Modern, after Achaemenid Period

Medium

Gold

Classification

Accessory

Dimensions

1 13/16 × 2 5/16 in. (4.6 × 5.8 cm)

Credit Line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alastair Bradley Martin

Accession Number

70.142.11

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