Late 3rd‐early 2nd millennium B.C.
Silver
H. 12.4 cm, Dia. 11.7 cm
This cylindrical cup made of silver has been divided vertically into three bands, with each band made up of a crenellated pattern. These patterns create cross-shaped motifs and ten such groupings are found on this cup. This design first appeared in the eastern Caspian region in the Turkmenistan Namazga II culture (4th millennium BC) as a design on pottery, and this design then spread to the Oxus River (Amu Darya) and its tributaries, and various regions of eastern Iran during the 3rd millennium BC. This design then became suitable not only for pottery, but also for jewelry items and stamp seals. Connections with the actual crenellated structures have been indicated, and it is thought to hold some sort of exorcising of evil spirits meaning.
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