Persian Hand Painted MOP Pin Men on Horses

Hi folks, just wondering if anyone might be familiar with this type of pin and could clarify the activity that is depicted...hunting? combat? polo (this is my guess)? The pin measures 1 1/2" by 1 1/4" inches. Is it possible to put a time frame on manufacture? Thanks for your thoughts!

 

It is a typical Persian (Iranian) souvenir, a handpainted miniature. They inlaid every kind of jewelry with these miniatures, painted on bone or mop, as yours is. I've even seen belts with them. When there are several of these miniatures in a row, i.e. in bracelets or belts, they are called storybook jewellery.
As you thought, the little guys are polo players.
The period of this one is probably 1940s-50s. If you want to sell it in the US, you can't call it Persian or Iranian, even though it was purchased before the US ban, in that case sellers usually resort to Islamic or Middle Eastern.

 

Thanks so much AJ! Especially about how to reference them in a sales listing!! I would never have known that...I have seen listings on ebay with 'Persian' in the title. I will refrain from that.

 

There are 97,000 listings on Ebay.com using the word Persian.

It isn't Islamic, of course.

Some of these are now being copied in India, not that this is.

 

No, it isn't Islamic unless the subject matter is Islamic, i.e. the Prophet playing polo. Don't know if he ever did. It is just a term sellers use to avoid Persian.

There are many listings using the word Persian, there are also many people reporting the use of the word Persian. Paypal raises hell if someone tries to pay for something with the terms Iranian or Persian in it.
I have had trouble with Etsy twice, the last time for referring to the fact that the Kuchi nomadic tribe were of Iranian origin. I wouldn't wish that sort of hassle on wenna, or anyone else.