Tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, mounted as a cufflink, Babylon? c. 317

Curator: What a fascinating juxtaposition – this tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, now repurposed as a cufflink! Editor: My first impression is that it’s a bold reclamation of power, quite literally wearing history on your sleeve. Curator: Indeed. The coin itself, likely minted in Babylon, features a strong profile of Alexander, while the reverse shows Zeus enthroned. The material, presumably silver, speaks to its original value and status. Editor: Precisely. Think about the implications: Alexander's legacy, once currency, transformed into personal adornment. Who gets to decide how history is remembered and commodified? It raises questions about imperialism, privilege, and the aesthetics of power. Curator: From a formal perspective, the craftsmanship is intriguing – the crispness of the original coin's design set against the utilitarian addition of the cufflink mechanism. Editor: Absolutely, and it's a potent symbol. We must examine how these artifacts reinforce or challenge existing power structures. Curator: A compelling piece that prompts us to consider its multiple layers of meaning. Editor: It certainly leaves one contemplating the weight of history, quite literally.