Elamite Bronze Ring, 2nd Millennium BC
Bronze
diameter 3.1 cm
diameter 1 1/4 in
diameter 1 1/4 in
EL.2
The Elamite civilisation occupied the west and south-west of modern Iran from around 3200 BC until the mid-first millennium BC, when its capital, Susa, was overtaken by first the Assyrians...
The Elamite civilisation occupied the west and south-west of modern Iran from around 3200 BC until the mid-first millennium BC, when its capital, Susa, was overtaken by first the Assyrians and then the Persian Achaemenid empire. The proto-Elamite states of Anshan, Awan, and Shimashki are thought to have combined to form Elam. Susa was founded in around 4000 BC, and remained an important city for hundreds of years, including as a strategic centre. During the Old Elamite Period, from c.2700 BC to c.1500 BC, there were three different ruling dynasties. Susa also faced attacks from various other civilisations, including multiple Mesopotamian states and the Guti. The Middle Elamite period, from c.1500 to c.1100 BC, was also characterised by several different dynasties. Towards the end of this period, the Elamite empire reached the height of its power under the Shutrukids. These kings undertook several military campaigns and building projects to increase the strength of the state. Less is known about the Neo-Elamite Period, from c.1100 BC to 540 BC. Again, the state engaged in many battles with surrounding civilisations, and was defeated by the Neo-Assyrians under Ashurbanipal on multiple occasions.
This bronze ring is one of a collection of rings of varying sizes, each topped with a circle formed by a spiral of metal, on which raised patterns have been added. The decoration of each is unique, although they employ similar elements such as dots, circles, and straight lines. As each one is different, they could have been used as forms of identification, perhaps as seals to make impressions in soft materials. The patterns formed could simply have been decorative, or they could have had symbolic meanings. Bronze would have been a valuable material at the time, and therefore these ostentatious adornments could have been used as status symbols.
The face of this ring is formed by an intricate spiral. On top of this background, three parallel lines cross through the centre of the circle, each with raised dots at either end. From the centre of each of the two outer lines, three smaller perpendicular lines emerge, ending at the edge of the circle, so that a cross shape is formed. These smaller lines also have raised dots at either end.
This bronze ring is one of a collection of rings of varying sizes, each topped with a circle formed by a spiral of metal, on which raised patterns have been added. The decoration of each is unique, although they employ similar elements such as dots, circles, and straight lines. As each one is different, they could have been used as forms of identification, perhaps as seals to make impressions in soft materials. The patterns formed could simply have been decorative, or they could have had symbolic meanings. Bronze would have been a valuable material at the time, and therefore these ostentatious adornments could have been used as status symbols.
The face of this ring is formed by an intricate spiral. On top of this background, three parallel lines cross through the centre of the circle, each with raised dots at either end. From the centre of each of the two outer lines, three smaller perpendicular lines emerge, ending at the edge of the circle, so that a cross shape is formed. These smaller lines also have raised dots at either end.