A silver necklace in the style of a torque, the beauty of this item lies in its simplicity. Of Greco-Bactrian origin, the culture that produced this item was a synthesis...
A silver necklace in the style of a torque, the beauty of this item lies in its simplicity. Of Greco-Bactrian origin, the culture that produced this item was a synthesis of Alexander’s Macedonian Greece with that of the local regions influenced by his conquest. The shape of the item is circular, formed of silver wire, the closure being comprised of a short, mushroom-shaped tail, turned back on itself, that enters a loop on the other end. The receptacle end is comprised of wire wound back upon itself in the form of a hoop and then tightly wrapped around the torque. The wire has been twisted, so that a tight spiral pattern appears in the surface of the metal, moving longitudinally towards one end or the other. The current piece is of thinner gauge than others of its type, having a very delicate appearance that accentuates its simple beauty. Perhaps other ornaments, such as rings or gems, might have hung from the torque when worn around the neck.
The untold stories that this artifact must bear silent witness to, carried perhaps by soldiers as evidence of their conquest, or worn by Bactrian beauties to adorn the bosom, are tantalizing to entertain. What can be said about such an item is that it stands as a testament to the beauty carried by simplicity, and the noble craftsmanship of the lands that Alexander sought to conquer. Perhaps a necklace such as this was worn by the Bactrian princess Roxanne on the night of her wedding to Alexander.