CIRCA 5TH-4TH CENTURY B.C.

The pectoral is formed of hammered sheet with perforations along the edges for attachment. The crescentic arc is divided into four sections by thin columns each framed with beaded wire enclosing triangles of granulation and small granulated clusters. Centering each panel is a lapis lazuli lion head protome, each with its mouth open revealing fangs, secured by a collar encircled by rings of granulation on either side of a filigree wire.

The crescentic form suggests that this was originally attached to leather or cloth to be worn as a pectoral, but it is equally possible that it served instead as furniture or architectural ornament. See for example the gold band once attached to a gate, no. 84 in J. Curtis and N. Tallis, Forgotten Empire, The World of Ancient Persia.