Hunara: Journal of Ancient Iranian Arts and History

Metal Finger Rings with Achaemenid Motifs Discovered on the Territory of Georgia

Author

Ana Gabunia

Georgian National Museum

https://doi.org/10.22034/hunara.2024.207374
Abstract
Finger rings with an engraved bezel made of gold, silver, and bronze were highly popular in Georgia during the 5th to 2nd centuries BCE. Most of these rings were found during the archaeological excavations of various cemeteries and burial complexes across the country.
Finger rings with an engraved bezel were usually used not only as jewelry, but also as a seal. Therefore, production and distribution of the finger rings were closely associated with the development of the society, its needs and private property.
These types of rings are considered to be of local production. However, the influence of Achaemenid glyptic is evident in the style of ornamentation and depictions. Some of the motifs are known from Graeco-Persian gems such as Persian women seated or standing holding various objects, Persian men with a stick, etc. Rings with depictions of a human, probably a priest, holding a barsom above a fine altar; double-protome animals; rhyta with a representation of a horses and ibex(?) protomes; fantastic creatures; animals; were common motifs in the Achaemenid art.
These materials confirm the significant influence of Achaemenid art across the entire territory of Georgia (East, West, and South) during the Late Achaemenid and Post-Achaemenid periods (4th and 3rd century BCE).

Keywords

Finger Ring
Georgia
Achaemenid Art
Graeco-Persian Gems

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