6th-4th century BC. A round-section penannular loop with hatched and plain panels, roundels and incised leaf motifs; each terminal a ram's head with horns curved beneath the lower jaw; old collector's number 'M509[..]' to the inner face. For similar examples from the Oxus Treasure see The British Museum accession numbers ANE 124036 and ANE 124043. 47 grams, 70mm (2 3/4"). Property of a West Yorkshire collector; formerly from the private collection of Lord McAlpine of West Green, London, UK; acquired in the 1980s; accompanied by an Art Loss Register certificate. Bracelets were very popular in ancient Persia and usually display a number of animal heads, most commonly rams or lions. There are a number of depictions showing the presentation of tribute by foreign dignitaries at sites such as Susa and the great palace at Persepolis. Xenophon tells us in the Anabasis that bracelets were among the gifts that were highly prized among the Persians and that it was common practice for the Great King to give gold bracelets as gifts to high ranking courtiers. Rams in ancient Persia were held in high regard as they were seen as a symbol of virility. This style of bracelet can be traced back to Persepolis, the capital city of ancient Persia and were usually found in the ancient royal courts of the city and were possibly given as royal gifts to courtiers.