SAEDNEWS: A glimpse of the sublime artistry of the Achaemenids can be seen in one of their surviving works. This piece is known as the “Golden Griffon Armlet.” The armlet is crafted with such beauty and striking detail that it is truly astonishing and awe-inspiring.
According to the History and Culture Service of Saed News, the “Dal” is a species of vulture. A “shir-dal” refers to handcrafted artifacts that combine the body of a lion with the head of a Dal. Known also as griffins, these mythical creatures are entwined with rich symbolism and convey secrets rooted in ancient beliefs and rituals. Across many ancient civilizations, representations of the shir-dal can be found. This art form was not unique to the Achaemenids; it was also present in other early societies. One of the most striking uses of shir-dals was in ancient architectural structures, where they reflected not only the grandeur of the world at the time but also deeper symbolic meanings.
It is important to note: shir-dals were a product of the Aryan imagination. Those who claim that this ancient symbol originated from Egyptian civilization are mistaken; archaeological evidence indicates that shir-dals first emerged from Aryan culture and subsequently spread throughout the ancient world.
The golden shir-dal armband previously mentioned is not in the same form as it was originally found. Scholars believe it was once adorned with precious stones and gems, which have since been removed. The armband is part of a larger collection known among archaeologists as the “Amu Darya Treasure.”
This treasure was discovered in southwestern Tajikistan, near the Afghan border, during archaeological excavations between 1877 and 1880. Prior to its official discovery, locals had apparently found parts of it and kept some of the artifacts. Archaeologists ultimately recovered 170 pieces of gold and silver, along with 200 Achaemenid coins (darics). The treasure, including the golden shir-dal armband, was taken to British institutions and is now preserved in the Albert and Victoria Museums as well as the British Museum.
In ancient beliefs, both the lion and the eagle were considered imbued with mysterious powers. Among the indigenous peoples of Latin America, the eagle was similarly thought to hold secretive strength. Consequently, the lion and eagle became symbols of kingship for the Aryans, appearing in temples as invincible and powerful guardians. Archaeological traces of the shir-dal date back to the third millennium BCE. From that point, the symbol quickly spread across the ancient Near East, becoming a recurring motif in art. Even the Egyptians adopted it, giving it their own unique interpretation.
The Achaemenid golden shir-dal armband depicts two symmetrical mythological creatures, facing each other at the ends of a circular band, eye to eye. The two shir-dals are nearly identical, so meticulously crafted that one appears as the mirror image of the other. Their wings are rendered with exquisite attention to detail, the curved tips adding a striking visual elegance. The connecting band is partially decorated, and the curve of the loop evokes the shape of a heart. The designs on the band extend the figures of the two creatures, creating a continuous and harmonious composition. This armband exemplifies the depth of Achaemenid artistry and reflects the civilization’s unique and enduring approach to visual culture.
To truly appreciate this masterpiece, one must spend hours studying its intricate details, understanding the combination of skill and imagination that produced such a radiant and symbolic artifact.
As noted, the golden shir-dal armband is now held in the British Museum and remains one of the most exquisite surviving artifacts from ancient Iran.
