Cybele Plate Pendant

Discovering an Ancient Marvel: The Cybele Plate, unearthed at Ai Khanum, transports us to a distant era. On this remarkable disk, we witness the goddess of nature, Cybele, and Nike, the embodiment of Victory, riding a chariot drawn by two majestic lions. Their journey unfolds against a mountainous landscape, where hybrid Greek and Oriental imagery converge. The plate’s design features Near Eastern elements—a royal parasol held by a priest, a stepped altar, and a scalloped pattern denoting rugged terrain. The crescent moon and star add celestial symbolism. While the cult of Cybele originated in Anatolia, it seamlessly merged with Greek traditions. The winged Nike and the sun god Helios find their place alongside naturalistic lions and drapery. Yet, intriguingly, the scene lacks traditional perspective, echoing the artistic sensibilities of Near Eastern art. This ceremonial plaque, crafted in gilded silver, invites us to explore the crossroads of cultures and myth.