Echoes of the past: The Shahdad Standard

The Shahdad Standard consists of a square metal plate (made of arsenical copper) attached to a metal pole. At the top of the pole, above a conical stone base, sits a small metal bird of prey with its wings spread open. The plate bears a crowded scene of human, animal, plant, and geometric figures, first raised in relief through metal casting and then beautifully outlined and detailed with engraving. All the people in this gathering hold their hands in a similar way, conveying a sense of mutual respect.