gems, ancient jewelry, early metallurgy, gold, Afghanistan, Bactria

Sarianidi presents the spectacular finds excavated in 1978–79 from the six richly furnished burials at Tillya Tepe in northern Afghanistan, dating around the first century BC–first century AD. The volume begins with an account of the excavation and separate descriptions of the six graves, followed by an extensive photographic section and detailed catalogue. Approximately 20,000 gold objects were recovered, many consisting of small appliqués originally sewn onto clothing, together with elaborate crowns, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, rings, buckles, weapon fittings and other personal ornaments. Many pieces are richly set with turquoise and other gemstones. The jewelry displays a striking mixture of Hellenistic, Iranian, Central Asian, Indian and nomadic artistic traditions, reflecting Bactria’s position at the intersection of major cultural and commercial routes. The lavish illustrations document both individual jewels and their archaeological contexts, making the volume a major primary publication of the Tillya Tepe treasure. The book contains 426 illustrations, 166 in color.