3rd-7th century AD. A bronze slider plaque from a belt or harness, slightly domed in profile with bar to the reverse, facing image of a female modelled in the half-round with hands raised and elbows flexed, diadem or band to the brow. 111 grams, 88mm (3 1/2"). From an important private London collection; formed in the 1970s and 1980s. In the Sassanian Empire the state religion was that of Zoroastrianism, a monotheistic religion founded by the prophet Zoroaster in the 7th century BC, and which greatly influenced Judaism, and later, Christianity. The religion is still practiced in Iran as well as by the Persian diaspora in India, Europe and the United States. The religion is centred upon a supreme deity known as Ahura Mazda, or the Wise Lord. In the early years of the faith the older gods of the Persian empire also found a place as protective demi-gods, or angels, known as yazat?, though they continued to be worshipped as powerful deities in their own right by the general population. The powerful Persian goddess Anahita was one of the deities that underwent a transformation with the adoption of Zoroastrianism as the official religion, and became known as An?h?d, though she maintained her role as a goddess of water and fertility and was greatly patronised by the Sassanian royal family.

Fine condition.