Ritual Knuckle-duste

5th‐4th century B.C.
Silver plated iron
H. 5.6 cm, W. 19.2 cm
This implement is formed from iron and was then plated in silver, and is a weapon that would have been used in religious rituals. The recumbent lion is placed in about the middle of the rod-shaped form, with head raised high and simply expressed eyes, nose, ears and mane. His hips protrude behind the raised head. Traces of a ring which would have been used to hold the implement onto the bearer's finger have been confirmed.