(Images) Golden Secrets of Ancient Iran in the Rare Masterpieces of the ‘Vakhsh Treasure’: From the Lost Tiger to the Legendary Fish That Turned History’s Walls to Gold

According to the History and Culture section of Saed News, the original provenance of this collection—where it was truly discovered, who found it, and what the initial finds included—remains unknown. The treasure is named after the Vakhsh River, near which it was most likely unearthed, probably at Takht-i Kuwad, a boat station on the river’s northern bank.

The Wakhs Treasure

This collection represents the most significant surviving group of what was once one of the Achaemenid Empire’s largest industries in precious metal production. The metal artifacts are believed to date from the 6th to 4th centuries BCE, though the coins span a broader timeline. The most likely explanation for the treasure’s origin is that it belonged to a temple where votive offerings were stored over time.

The link to a temple is suggested by 51 gold-plated votive plaques and several statues resembling figures typically seen in sacred spaces. The quality of these plaques varies: some appear crudely made, possibly by the donors themselves, while others are finely crafted and likely commissioned.

The treasure includes bracelets, gold rings, two miniature golden chariots with horses and riders, votive plaques, coins, vases, seals, a fish-shaped perfume vessel, various personal items (such as jewelry and clothing fasteners), and a gold sword sheath—one of the collection’s oldest pieces—decorated with scenes of lion hunting. Early reports from 1879 also mention a golden tiger statue, which never became part of the collection and seems to have disappeared shortly after its discovery. Other items listed in these reports were likely stolen, melted down, or purchased by British soldiers stationed in the region.

Achaemenid Origins

Similar objects appear in Achaemenid art, particularly the stone carvings at Persepolis, as well as discoveries in Susa and elsewhere, suggesting the treasure belongs to the Achaemenid period. The sword sheath, for example, closely resembles a sword depicted in Persepolis reliefs. While the creators remain unknown, the artifacts were likely owned by the Achaemenid royal family.

Among the collection’s many exquisite items, the two miniature golden chariots—one unfinished, drawn by four horses—are the most famous. Two figures in Median-style clothing occupy these chariots: one driver, one passenger. The chariot features rails at the back for mounting and dismounting, and its front is adorned with the visage of Bes, the short-statured Egyptian god. Two bracelets, each ending with griffin heads and crafted in the Achaemenid style (4th–5th centuries BCE), are also highlights. Their creation was complex, involving molding, hammering, and soldering multiple materials. Numerous other bracelets feature simpler designs or animal heads, including goats, bulls, lions, ibexes, and fantastical creatures.

Unique Artifacts

Nearly all pieces in the collection are unique, with some considered masterpieces:

• Griffin Bracelets: Though partially damaged, they retain much of their original allure. Once inlaid with enamel and precious stones, these elements are now missing. The bracelets and other objects in the Wakhs treasure likely have Scythian origins.

• Sword Sheath: Sometimes referred to as a “dagger sheath” due to confusion with the short Iranian sword (akinakes), it is decorated with lion-hunting scenes reminiscent of Persepolis reliefs, similar to weapons used by Darius I’s guards (522–486 BCE).

• Golden Fish: Measuring 24.2 cm in length and weighing 370 grams, this hollow vessel features an open mouth and a ring for hanging. Likely used to carry oil or perfume, it has been variously identified as a carp. In 2016, angler and author Adrian Burton recognized it as a Turkestan golden barbel, found exclusively in the Vakhsh River, more closely resembling the Wakhs treasure’s golden fish.

How the Treasure Reached the British Museum

In 1879, Russian General N.A. Maev reported discovering the treasure near the historic Takht-i Kuwad, after speaking with local residents who described a cache including a golden tiger—later sold to “Indian merchants.” On June 24, 1880, the Military and Civil Gazette of Lahore reported that substantial amounts of gold had been stolen from Indian merchants in Kabul. British officer Captain Francis Charles Burton pursued the thieves, recovered large quantities of treasure, and returned them to the merchants, who sold him one set of bracelets.

This caught the attention of British officers, especially Sir Alexander Cunningham (1814–1893), then India’s Archaeological Surveyor with extensive knowledge of regional history and archaeology. Cunningham purchased several items from the merchants, while the remaining treasure was acquired by British antiquarian Sir A.W. Franks (1826–1897). Franks later bought Cunningham’s collection, ultimately donating the entire treasure to the British Museum, where he served as director.