Barsom with a Lion's Head

  • 5th - 4th century B.C.
  • Iron, gold
  • H-6 W-4.9
Catalogue Entry

5th‐4th century B.C.
Iron, gold
H. 6.0 cm, W. 4.9 cm
This ritual implement has the tip of its gold wire-wrapped iron rod fitted with a lion's head in sheet gold. This is thought to have been originally a ritual implement rod known as a barsom, and the straight, rod-shaped form has been somehow mistakenly curved into its present form.