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Bracelets : Bactrian Silver Torque
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Bactrian Silver Torque - SP.229
Origin: Central Asia
Circa: 330
BC
to 100
BC
Dimensions:
7.25" (18.4cm) high
x 7.75" (19.7cm) wide
Collection: Jewelry
Medium: Silver
$1,500.00
Location: United States
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Description |
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 semi-circular, formed of silver rod. The
two terminals are flattened and split to form
pincer-like appendages, and rest several inches
apart from one another. The rod from which the
torque is made is tapered towards the ends and
thicker in the middle, and is gently twisted from
end to end. 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.
- (SP.229)
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