02/19/2024
From the treasure of Oxus
Approach, around 499 and around 300 BC.
"Explanation from the Master Curator after restoration of the work of art"
Golden four-horse chariot in the British Museum.
Gold Four Horse Chariot: The piece measures 18.8 cm long. The cab box is open from the rear side. The front part is taller with ornamentation of triangles and a Bes head. The wheels are of considerable size, with eight spokes and the entire outer band is covered with beads. In the cabin there is a bench where the main figure sits, dressed in a long tunic ("kandys") and also long sleeves of the Median type. A hood is placed on her head. Next to her is the driver who has his head covered and a short tunic. The legs of the two figures that are fixed to the chariot are made with gold thread. The chariot is joined to the four horses by two rods that end in a single yoke with holes for each of the animals. Each of them has two straps at neck height. The horses are missing seven legs and the spokes of the wheels are imperfect. The fact that this chariot includes a head of Bes (the protective deity of young people in the Persian Empire) as decoration is believed to be intended for a child or to be used as a votive offering.
Chariot of a golden horse: the chariot piece is 8.4 cm long. This cart is missing more parts than the previous one: it has no wheels, the main character is missing his head, and a horse is also missing. The cabin of the car is elongated and has a bench in its center. On the side bands there are two openings that serve as handholds. It has two arms like the previous piece but made with two flat iron rods. The horse has a more detailed head and is 4.3 cm long.
From British Museum
🔸️ Own image authorship
