A study of a gold pendant in the form of a dog which dates to the fourth millenium BC and hails from Susa is discussed. Examination of the object included the use of stereobinocular microscopy, x-radiography, and x-ray fluorescence analysis. The composition of the metal and the structure of the pendant is described. Of particular interest is the discovery of the use of hard solder for the attachment of the loop of the pendant. While the bulk of the gold alloy contained 9 to 10% silver and 1 to 2% copper, the area around the loop showed the presence of 15 to 20% silver and 5 to 6% copper. Metallographic examination revealed a spongy metal indicative of soldering. Also found were the use of punches for decoration and abrasion of the surface as a preparation for soldering. The article concludes with a discussion of the relationship of this object to other works of art from this period and geographic area. The sophistication of techniques exhibited by the pendant casts a new light on our knowledge of the metallurgy from this early age.