Book Reviewed: Art of the Bronze Age: Southeastern Iran, Western Central Asia and the Indus Valley, by Holly Pittman

Ancient artifacts of Central and South Asia

This book evaluates the artistic elements in the archeological and ancient artifacts of Bronze Age discovered in Mesopotamia, Persia, Eastern Syria and Indus Valley. There are several artifacts shown in this book with very intricate carvings and some them range from household items, figurines, jewelry, tools and inscriptions. The carvings in chlorite or stone steatite have some unique features and they were either discovered in monumental temples or palaces or in the graves of royal families. Some carry dedicatory inscriptions to royal or divine personages. These findings demonstrate significant interest in the field of art in ancient civilizations, which thrived in Indus Valley and across Eastern Persia, and Western Central Asia. The life in each of these regions had its own distinguishing features with its organization and material culture. The author observes that some of the objects belonged to early Dynastic II and IIIA of Mesopotamia, from about 2600 to 2500 B.C. The style and iconography are consistent with that time. Despite their unique cultural identities, they also had a strong sense of trade and commerce. Trade was far and wide between Rome, Greece, Mesopotamia, Western Anatolia and the Indus Valley. Minerals, alloys and agricultural products were bought and sold. Mesopotamia imported substantial amounts of stones and other precious metals such as gold, silver and copper from Iranian plateau and Indus Valley.

It is a fascinating read and I recommend this book to those readers interested archeology, ancient artifacts and early civilizations of Central and South Asia.