The Circular Gold Ornament is an archaeological ornament used as a decorative accessory in Ain Jawan civilization, dating back to the second century. It was discovered in Ain Jawan, a historical archaeological site located in the northwestern part of Tarut Bay, northernmost of al-Qatif City, and southeast of Safwa City, in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Description of the ornament
The ornament is circular-shaped and crafted from gold. It consists of two concentric circles; the outer circle is encrusted with six black, oval-shaped sapphires of irregular form, while the inner circle’s frame is divided into triangular sections, with the points directed toward the radius. A large black sapphire occupies the center of the circle, and a golden loop is affixed to one side of the outer circle for hanging.
Dimensions of the ornament
Diameter of the gold ornament's circle: 2.2 cm
Display location of the ornament
The circular gold ornament is exhibited at the National Museum in Riyadh and is registered under the number 1312. It was among the artifacts selected to participate in the Saudi Archeological Masterpieces Through the Ages Exhibition, held at the Louvre Museum in the French capital, Paris, in 2010. The exhibition included three hundred authentic diverse archaeological pieces crafted from various materials, spanning different historical periods from various provinces across Saudi Arabia. The pieces represent three chronological eras: Prehistoric artifacts, pre-Islamic artifacts, and Islamic-era artifacts.
The discovery of the ornament was among the results of archaeological surveys and excavations conducted by the antiquities and museums sector in Saudi Arabia, alongside contributions from Saudi archaeologists and scientific expeditions.
Significance of the ornament
The design of the ornament is centered around the aesthetic use of circular forms. The centerpiece is a large black sapphire surrounded by six oval elements, all set on a golden circular base. The techniques employed in crafting this ornament highlight a high level of expertise in the art of jewelry-making and reflect a luxurious standard of living for the owner of this piece.
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