Description
A Sogdian gilt copper-alloy repoussé amulet, central asia, circa 6th–8th century.
A small vertical amulet worked in repoussé from a thin sheet of copper alloy, depicting a frontal bust beneath a stepped crown or elaborate headdress. the figure has a broad, rounded face with large almond-shaped eyes, arched brows, a straight nose and a small closed mouth. curled locks or pendant ornaments descend on either side of the head to the shoulders. the upper body is rendered in shallow relief, with traces of drapery visible across the chest. a circular perforation through the centre was intended for suspension.
Substantial traces of gilding remain, particularly on the face, crown and shoulders. areas where the gilding has worn away reveal reddish cuprite and patches of green malachite corrosion, with a heavier malachite accretion along the lower right edge.
the frontal crowned figure and distinctive side curls reflect imagery found throughout the sogdian regions of transoxiana during the late sasanian and early islamic periods. comparable crowned figures appear in the wall paintings of panjikent, varakhsha and afrasiab, as well as in contemporary sogdian metalwork, terracotta plaques and coinage. the identity of the figure remains uncertain and may represent a deity, princely figure or more general protective image. its small size and suspension hole strongly suggest an amuletic function.
Gilt sheet-metal objects of this type formed part of the portable material culture of sogdiana, whose merchant communities maintained extensive connections between iran, china and the central asian steppe. the use of gilded copper alloy provided the appearance of a precious gold object while requiring considerably less precious metal. such objects could serve as personal ornaments, protective amulets, votive objects or burial goods.
this piece represents the portable devotional and apotropaic imagery characteristic of sogdian culture, combining courtly visual traditions with objects intended for personal use.
dimensions: height 2.3 cm
weight: 4 g
