Item Details

Item No. 435  

This decorative place depicts King Darius receiving tributes from visitors. He is followed by his personal guard, the Immortals, and above him the Faravahar is displayed. The "Faravahar," the winged disc with a man's upper body, is commonly used as a symbol of the Zoroastrian faith.

The Faravahar was sculpted as part of the city at the specification of King Darius, since it was not only a testament to the strength of his empire, but it was also intended as a spiritual centre. The King claimed that "Ahuramazda was of such a mind, together with all the other gods, that this fortress (should) be built. And (so) I built it."

The metal is chiseled and the dark contrast is created using very fine ash.  The ash will never wear off completely, but it should not be rubbed against the skin or clothing.

Diameter: 29 cm (11.5").