DNA evidence has indicated that all major breeds of cattle in the world can trace their origins to a single herd, domesticated by humans around 10,500 years before present. Where exactly this domestication took place is an open question, but some of the earliest remains of domesticated cattle have been found in Iran. It is likely, therefore, that cattle were first herded either there, in north India, or in Central Asia. Given this remarkable heritage, it is no wonder that these places became closely associated with bovines. The Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) – also known as the Oxus Civilisation – which inhabited the area around Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, demonstrates an affinity cattle and oxen from the earliest period. In most ancient civilisations, cattle were associated with wealth. Among the domesticated animals, cattle are perhaps the most expensive in terms of upkeep. They require huge amounts of food – a cow will voluntarily eat some 12.9 kg of dry cereals (28 1/2 lbs) per day, compared to 0.87 kg (2 lbs) for a human – and a significant investment of time. However, the rewards were great: milk, leather, and meat, are all incredibly valuable commodities, which can be traded at some degree of profit. Cattle were also important pack animals, pulling carts and dragging ploughs, and – as models from BMAC sites at Altyn Depe show – wheeled vehicles, perhaps the first in history. Due to their value, cattle were used as currency in numerous ancient societies, and were the primary form of sacrificial animal for numerous ancient religions from Babylonia to Greece. We must presume that the same socio-economic niche was filled by cattle in the extraordinary BMAC society.

This bronze bull is a delightful representation, which demonstrates the importance of cattle to the BMAC. The breed, identifiable from its long, curved, horns, its prominent dewlap, and the hump between its shoulder-blades, is clearly the zebu (Bos taurus indicus). This species is the forerunner of most domesticated cattle breeds in modern times, a descendant of the Indian aurochs (Bos primigenius namadicus). Domesticated in what is now Pakistan around 7,000 years before present, the zebu was exported around Central Asia and the Near East, reaching Egypt around 2500 BC. Zebu probably arrived in Afghanistan around 3200 BC, and this must provide an earliest possible date for this bull. The zebu depicted has a relatively slender body, straight legs and cloven hooves, a long dangling tail with prominent switch (the tuft of hair at the end), a sizeable dewlap (dangling loose skin below the neck), and a firm upright hump between the shoulder-blades. His mouth is slightly open, and his eyes are alert, staring out at the viewer with a kind of eagerness. The bull has a bridle of rope, which runs around behind his hump. Clearly this bull has either been harnessed for riding (and perhaps a separately cast rider is missing) or else hitched to a cart or plough, which could again be missing.

The defining expression of Bactria-Margiana art was the composite stone figure, remarkable statuettes made from multiple stones, of different colours. Three important types of these figures are known: most common are the ‘Bactrian princesses’, seated statues of women which may represent a mother goddess. Next most common are the significantly rarer Bactrian monstrous figures known as ‘Scarface’ or Balafre. Finally, and most rare, are the ‘Bactrian youths’. All three probably reference now-lost aspects of Bactrian myth. But the BMAC is also noted for the quality of its metalworking. Gold, silver and, especially, bronze were essential components of the BMAC artist’s toolkit. Spectacular images, mostly of animals – both real and mythical – now form an essential part of museum collections, especially those of the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum in New York. The sensitive depictions of domesticated animals – like those of rams in the Metropolitan Museum (1981.448.18, 1981.448.17) – demonstrate the importance of these creatures to the Bactrians, and of the careful study accorded to them by BMAC artisans.