A Rhyton From Takhti Sangin

Abstract

AbstractRecent investigations of the Oxus temple at Takhti Sangin have produced several dozen Achaemenid objects similar in type and style to the Achaemenid part of the Oxus treasure. One such is the lower part of an ivory rhyton, decorated with a carved protome of a lion, of either Greek or Achaemenid origin. After describing the object and discussing lion iconography in the Assyro-Achaemenid tradition and the origins and typology of the rhyton, the authors suggest that the rhyton considered here may have had a ritual role in Zoroastrian cult in making libations.