SOAS Shapoorji Pallonji Institute of Zoroastrian Studies and

Department of Religions and Philosophies, SOAS, University of London

in collaboration with the World Zoroastrian Organisation

Present the Twenty-seventh

Dastur Dr Sohrab Hormasji Kutar Memorial Lecture 

Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS

Thursday, 30 April 2026, 6pm

 

Dr Vesta Sarkosh Curtis

British Museum, London

Birds, wings and diadems:

Zoroastrian Symbols in Parthian and Sasanian art

 

In Parthian and Sasanian art, the king received his empowerment from a higher authority (Ahuramazda) and divine beings who chose him as the legitimate ruler. 

The king was, therefore, often shown receiving a diadem as a symbol of kingship, wearing a crown with divine symbols, or being protected by a bird of prey. This concept is reflected in some Zoroastrian scriptures dedicated to specific divine beings or yazatas associated with kingship.

This lecture explores the intricate relationship of kingship and religion in the art of Parthian and Sasanian Iran.

All Welcome

The lecture is followed by a reception with refreshments

 

About the Speaker

Vesta Sarkhosh Curtis is Curator Emerita of Middle Eastern Coins at the British Museum. She holds an MA in Near Eastern Archaeology and Ancient Iranian Languages from the University of Göttingen and a PhD from University College London on Parthian art. She has served in major scholarly leadership roles, including President of the British Institute of Persian Studies (BIPS, 2006–2011). Dr Curtis is Joint Director and Editor of the International Parthian Coin Project, Vice-President of BIPS and Senior Advisor at the SOAS Shapoorji Pallonji Institute of Zoroastrian Studies.

Dr Curtis’s research focuses on pre-Islamic Iranian and Mesopotamian art, coinage, and royal and religious iconography. Her publications include major catalogues and monographs on Parthian and Sasanian coinage and Iranian culture. She has also contributed to landmark exhibitions on Iran in London, Tehran, the US, and India.

Please register here for the lecture (for planning purposes):

Birds, wings and diadems: Zoroastrian symbols in Parthian and Sasanian art | SOAS

Attachment : 2026 Kutar Lecture- Curtis