Elam is the Biblical designation of a people and
a country in the southern area of the Iranian
plateau in the Zagros mountains E and NE of the
valley of the Tigris. It is approximately equivalent
to the present Iranian province of Khuzistan. The
name derives from the Elamite Haltamti. It is the
Elamtu of the Assyrians and the Babylonians
and the Elymais of the Greeks who also called it
Susiana from the capital Susa (Shushan),
modern Shush. The Elamite culture is intriguing
because little is known about it, with art objects
such as this one providing a glimpse into their
world. This celt seemingly depicted a stylized
male figure, with evident facial features and
arms with a rectangular body. Although the
function of this piece is speculative, it
nonetheless represents a unique culture that is
often unmentioned in the realm of art history.
- (PH.0186)
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