Bactria was an ancient Iranian civilisation based in modern-day northern Afghanistan, parts of southwest Tajikistan, and areas of southeast Uzbekistan. The modern term ‘Bactria’ is derived from the Ancient Greek name for the area, derived from the Old Persian name Bakhdi. This area was later part of the Achaemenid Empire, and was then conquered by Alexander the Great. During the Bronze Age, it was part of what is now called the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC). Over the course of the 3rd millennium BC, a society made up of small farming settlements underwent urban development, with innovations including the use of the wheel, the introduction of metalworking technology, and the construction of irrigation systems and monumental architecture.

This small bronze figurine represents a nude man. The positioning of the man’s left foot further forward than his right gives the figurine the stability necessary to stand upright. His legs and buttocks are rounded, contrasting with his torso which is narrower. His arms are outstretched in front of him, holding a bowl, and he has another object tucked in the crook of his right arm. The surface of the top of his head is smooth, with a rim around the edge, perhaps representing a specific hairstyle or some form of headwear. His exact expression is difficult to make out, but facial features such as the nose and eyes are visible. His pose, striding forward and proudly presenting what he is holding, suggests that he could be making an offering.