Final answer:
The ownership of the Oxus chariot model suggests wealth due to the association of luxury goods with high status in the Persian Empire, as reflected in artistic and historical records of opulent rulers and controlled trade of luxuries like silk.
Step-by-step explanation:
The person who owned the Oxus chariot model was likely a member of the wealthy elite in the Persian Empire. The ownership of such sophisticated and luxurious items was a clear indicator of status and power. Artistic depictions from the period, such as the portrayal of rulers like Bahram Gur in lavish garments and with an array of weapons, reflect the association of opulence with regal and noble figures.
Additionally, the fact that the Persian kings welcomed guests and tribute in grand spaces adorned with sculptural programs that showcased their dominion illustrates the importance of material wealth as a symbol of power and influence in Persian society. Prizes taken during raids and the control over trade routes like the Silk Roads emphasize how the possession and distribution of luxury goods were directly tied to social and political status within the empire.