Oxus Treasure: sword-sheath
- Gallery: Room 52
- Culture: Achaemenid
- Date: 5thC BC (probably)
- Object type: sword-sheath
- Materials: gold
- Museum number: 123923
- Museum: The British Museum
- Collection record: British Museum website
- Image © The Trustees of the British Museum, shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence.
Listen to the free audio guide
About this object
In front of you is a ceremonial gold scabbard from the "Oxus Treasure," crafted in the Achaemenid period, likely in the 5th century BC. This ornate sword-sheath is richly decorated with embossed scenes of hunting. At the upper end, a central compartment features a lion in dramatic confrontation with two mounted riders. The riders wear Persian-style gowns and tall headdresses, while their rearing horses add energy to the scene.
Elaborate bands and borders in herringbone patterns frame these details, with intricate smaller panels showing more lions and serpentine motifs. The long body of the sheath includes galloping riders shooting at lions, continuing the theme of strength and power.
Made of gold, the craftsmanship is delicate yet powerful. The artwork offers a rare glimpse into ancient hunting rituals and Persian courtly traditions. Its origins remain a scholarly point of discussion, with some attributing it to Median and others to Achaemenid artists.
See it in person
Oxus Treasure: sword-sheath is on display in Room 52 at the British Museum on Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London — free to enter. Choose British Museum on audioguide.london and take a photo of it to hear this free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
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