Circa 2000 BC. A beautifully decorated gold pendant in the form of scorpion with long curling tail and legs.The amulet or pendant was perhaps made to provide protection to the the wearer from stepping on snakes and scorpions and being stung or bitten. The Karakum desert is still heavily populated with poisonous snakes and scorpions; it is therefore no surprise that the people of Bactria and Margiana needed protection from these creatures. For similar see J. Kalter and m. Pavoloi(eds): Uzbekistan. Erben der Seidenstrasse, Stuttgart, 1995, p.50, figs, 58-59.Size: L:22.5mm / W:31.7mm ; 3.1gProvenance: Central London private collection of Ancient Art and jewellery; acquired since the 1970s on the UK and European art markets.