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Neolithic

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ELAMITE

The Arrival of
the Iranians

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In the Bronze Age, while cultural centres certainly existed in various parts of Persia (e.g. Astrabad and Tappeh Hissar near Damghan in the north-east), the kingdom of Elam in the south-west, was the most important.

Metal-work and the art of glazing bricks particularly flourished in Elam, and from inscribed tablets we can deduce that there was a great industry in weaving, tapestry, and embroidery. Elamite metal-work was particularly accomplished.

These include for example, a life size bronze statue of Napirisha, wife of the 13th century BC ruler Untash-Napirisha, and the silver Paleo-Elamite vase from Marv-Dasht, near Persepolis. This piece is 19cm high and dates from the middle of 3rd millennium BC. Ornamented with the standing figure of a woman, wearing a long sheepskin robe carrying a pair of instruments resembling castanets, possibly summoning the faithful to her cylindrical goblet. The sheep skin robe of this woman resembles the Mesopotamian style.

Silver Paleo-Elamite vase

Silver Paleo-Elamite vase
from Marv-Dasht, near Persepolis.
19cm high, middle of 3rd millennium BC.

A pendant of pale blue chalcedony, with an inscription in Elamite

A pendant of pale blue chalcedony, with an inscription in Elamite.

Other objects, found beneath the Temple of Inshushinak, built by the same ruler, include a pendant with an inscription in Elamite. The text records that the 12th century BC king Shilhak-Inshushinak had the stone engraved for his daughter Bar-Uli, and the accompanying scene shows him presenting it to her.

Mesopotamia played a major role in Elamite art; however, Elam still maintained its independence especially in the highland areas, where the art can be sharply differentiated from that of Mesopotamia.

 

Persian Art Through The Centuries

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Persian History

Persian Art
Through The Centuries

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Persian History
Iran before the Iranians


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