The Sphinx of Pattanam. A Game-Changing Workshop in India
IndiaTradeworkshopengravedgemsRomePattanam
Alfred Bosch Surís | Acta Asiatica Varsoviensia (AAV) 38 (2025) | Pages: 5–29DOI: https://doi.org/10.60018/AcAsVa.tmnx3233
Abstract
The traditional historical view maintains that precious gems were mostly crafted and worked in the Mediterranean. It was thought that in classical times, cultures outside the Mediterranean world were mainly providers of raw materials. Recent unexpected discoveries in India challenge this view. The prospect of establishing an ancient gem craft workshop within the historic confines of the Pattanam archaeological site in India presents a tantalising proposition. But is it possible that a gem craft industry was established in ancient Pattanam? An outstanding intaglio with the representation of a sphinx, plus others found in the site, pose stimulating challenges in this regard.
