Extremely rare Orientalizing Period, Tartessian Culture Granulated gold pendant. Spanish Export License. - 1.2 cm

Lovely and original rare Orientalizing Period ,Tartessian granulated gold pendant from the VII-VI century B.C.

Acquired from a Spanish private collection, L.V.C circa 1960.
The piece includes authenticity certificate.
Along with Spanish export license (Passport for European Union).

The Tartessian culture, a vibrant Bronze Age society, thrived between the 9th and 6th centuries BCE in the southwestern reaches of the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in what we now know as Andalusia in Spain and parts of southern Portugal. This region, centred around the lower Guadalquivir River, became a cradle of civilisation, marked by urban sophistication and remarkable cultural achievements.

At its zenith, Tartessos, often thought to be the principal city or region, was a hub of bustling towns fortified against the uncertainties of the age. The Tartessians were wealthy, their prosperity built on the rich veins of silver and other metals that laced their homeland. This wealth enabled them to establish extensive trade networks, reaching out across the Mediterranean to civilisation like the Phoenicians and Greeks. Their society was advanced, reflected in their development of a unique writing system—the Tartessian script—one of the earliest in Western Europe.

Archaeological discoveries have painted a vivid picture of Tartessian life. Artefacts such as finely crafted jewellery, pottery, and weapons reveal a people with sophisticated craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities. The grandeur of their burial practices, exemplified by sites like the tomb of La Joya and the necropolis of Setefilla, speaks to a society with complex rituals and a well-defined social hierarchy. Excavations at settlements like Cancho Roano and the ancient city of Niebla offer glimpses into their architectural and urban planning prowess.

The Tartessians were heavily influenced by their interactions with the Phoenicians, who established colonies along the Iberian coast. This contact brought significant technological and cultural advancements, particularly in metallurgy and writing. However, by the 6th century BCE, the once-thriving Tartessian culture began to wane. The reasons for this decline remain a subject of speculation, with theories ranging from environmental changes and the depletion of mineral resources to shifts in vital trade routes.

Beyond the tangible remnants of their civilisation, the Tartessians left an indelible mark on mythology and legend. Tartessos is often linked to ancient myths, such as the enchanting tales of the Garden of the Hesperides and the legendary wealth of King Argantonius, a ruler whose fame reached the ears of Greek historians like Herodotus.

The Tartessian culture stands as a significant precursor to the later Iberian civilisation, its legacy woven into the early history of the Iberian Peninsula. Through their interactions with Mediterranean cultures, the Tartessians contributed to the rich tapestry of ancient European history, leaving behind a legacy of wealth, artistry, and myth.

IMPORTANT: Due to the new laws on the export of archaeological pieces, we have decided to NO LONGER sell outside the European territory for the following countries: Switzerland and United States of America.
For other destinations out of European territory: all our items will be shipped after obtaining a definitive LICENSE EXPORTATION by the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks. According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subjected to export taxes. The taxes will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it:
Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. / From 6.001 to 60.000 euros: 10 %.