Not coins, but they add vitality to my collection

So I bought some Sogdian artifacts recently. I do not do this often, but these pieces moved me.

These were all found in Ustrushana, which is east of Samarkand. It was the furthest east Alexander ever traveled. He went there since the last part of the "Sogdian Rock" was there. The "Sogdian Rock" was a series of fortresses said to be impenetratable. He defeated them all, ended up marrying a Sogdian/Bactrian lady, and then moved on to India. As an aside, (and I just learned this), Alexander defeating the Sogdians did them a great favor. Before this they were a great warrior people. After their defeat, they turned their attention instead to farming and trade. Well, we have read how successful they were running the Silk Road, (at least I have ).

Anyway, the first three are listed as "amulets", but to me look like child toys. They are about 2 inches long and lead. The first two are pack horses, (reinforcing the trading aspect of Sogdia), and the third is the Huma bird. This is mythological griffon like bird, (think phoenix), that never landed. Its very important to the culture of Iran, (it is the symbol today of the Iranian national airline). What resonates with me is how this is a IRANIAN cultural item. It reinforces the fact Sogdians were in fact Iranian people, they simply were not the ones who settled in and lived in Persia.

The fourth is a cross of the Eastern church. Some of you remember I collect crosses on Sogdian coins. Well this is an actual cross from Sogdia. Ustrushan was a site of a very important Eastern Church monastary, and was one of the last places in Central Asia taken over by the muslims.

So, do anyone else supplement their ancient coin collection with artifacts related to them?

 

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Nice artifacts. I only a few and only one completely intact but they are from the Mayan people.

If I wanted to buy something in CA back then, I would have only bought something from Sogd merchant, and made sure I got my change back in silver.

 

I own no artifacts, mainly cause I cant afford them and lord knows I dont need another side hobby since my others soak up my $.

If I were to though it would be roman glass and such. I have a strong attraction to them.

But nice buys Chris. I like the pack horses the most.

 

You have very eclectic interests, but I respect that you know so much about subjects that the vast majority of people aren't even aware of.

 

I agree that these are great artifacts.

Just collecting coins and books requires all my storage and display space. I'd need to somehow create the space to properly store & display artifacts (assuming I could even afford them). How are you going to store & display these items?

 

Fabulous stuff! I had my eye on a few Roman artifacts, but couldn't pull the trigger. As Mat says, the last thing I need is another hobby - and a pricey one at that. There's no junk bin when it comes to artifacts.

 

I have a china cabinet my mother bought me. I think I will take some glassware junk out and put them in there. I have other artifacts, (judean lamps, bottles, etc), in a small display case in the basement. Maybe I will put them all together. I have some sassanid seals as well.

The problem with artifacts is they are so much more easy to fake. I know the dealer who sold me these, know his sources and why he has them, so was comfortable. Please people, do not go onto Ebay and blindly believe whatever most sellers are saying is real. WAY too many fakes on the internet. You have to do your research, just like coins.

 

I guess the same could be said of scarcity of modern Mexican coins? Its all the same man, whatever your interest and passion is, is what you become knowledgable in.

But yeah, I would rightfully be accused of ecclectic interests. My poor dealers never have a clue what to show me, as I can be all over the board, depending on my mood. I went to a show a week ago, and my ancient dealer there pulled out his bronze central asia box, and I ended up buying a Kushan gold and a double eagle. The last time I saw him I bought 5 northern thai pieces, and the time before that a Sassanid and Indo-parthian coin. Dude must think I am mental.

 

Don't have that many artefacts, but I got a cute pre-european vessel from Peru (Chimu)... No relation to coins though...

 

This artifact is from the Zapotec civilization. In the Oaxaca Valley in Mexico. It dates from the Monte Alban Phase 3 construction. (approx. 200-900 AD)
The artifact is in its original condition and has never been restored or repaired and is fully intact. Included is the bill of sale and COA from Arte Xibalba.

It an effigy of a Male Youth Shaman Priest.

 

Terrific artifacts Dionysus and Anoob. The only precolumbian I own are the protomoney pieces. I love the culture and history, there is just so many things you can collect at once, you know?

 

Well, I have a degree in history and I read dozens of history books a year about subjects and places all over the map, and you talk about civilizations I've never even heard of, so that's pretty cool to me.

 

Lol, sometimes I am pretty sure Anoob, (and maybe Bill), are the only ones who really care about the crazy stuff we talk about, and I am pretty grateful to have those guys here to jaw with. Noone in my ancient coin club knows Sogdia either, but one collector there does have a great Sassanid collection.

Heck, one time I was in the office of one of the greatest ancient dealers in the US and he couldn't place Sogdia when I told him an area I collect. Its not just you man, even most ancient collectors have no idea what the heck I jabber on about.

Cool that you have a degree in history. I would have liked to done so, but I sold out.

 

Sogdia??? You jabber? Naw!

 

I had room for a second major and I did it just because I liked it. I didn't plan to get a job with it and it really has nothing to do with what I do, but it's what I love.

 

???? ... does this count?

 

No but your Scarab does...

 

Arrowhead found outside Constantinople.

 

Thanks Noob ... I'd forgotten about those lil' babies

2nd Intermediate Period Steatite scarab
Circa 1650-1550 BC
Diameter: 23 x 16 mm
Obverse: Base engraved with an antelope walking right; palm branches in field. A few minor chips and cracks, otherwise intact, part of greenish-brown glaze remaining, pierced for mounting.
From the David Hendin Collection





2nd Intermediate Period Steatite scarab
Circa 1650-1550 BC
Diameter: 21 x 15 mm
Obverse: Base engraved with two crocodiles back-to-back. Intact, once glazed, pierced for mounting.
From the David Hendin Collection

 

A different addition...

Nice!

I haven't decided if I am going to add any artifacts yet...

There's also me...