Types of objects Scythian art

gold scythian pectoral, or neckpiece, royal kurgan in tolstaya mogila, pokrov, ukraine, dated second half of 4th century bc.

the scythians worked in wide variety of materials such gold, wood, leather, bone, bronze, iron, silver , electrum. clothes , horse-trappings sewn small plaques in metal , other materials, , larger ones, including of famous, decorated shields or wagons. wool felt used highly decorated clothes, tents , horse-trappings, , important nomad mounted on horse in best outfit must have presented colourful , exotic sight. nomads, scythians produced entirely portable objects, decorate horses, clothes, tents , wagons, exception in areas of kurgan stelae, stone stelae carved crudely depict human figure, intended memorials. bronze-casting of high quality main metal technique used across eurasian steppe, scythians distinguished frequent use of gold @ many sites, though large hoards of gold objects have been found further east, in hoard of on 20,000 pieces of bactrian gold in partly nomadic styles tillya tepe in afghanistan.

the influence of scythian art: fibula in form of recumbent stag (below), 400 ad, northeastern europe, , stag plaque (above), 400-500 bc, scythian, western asia, gold

earlier pieces reflected animal style traditions; in later period many pieces, in metal, produced greek craftsmen had adapted greek styles tastes , subject-matter of wealthy scythian market, , worked in scythian territory. other pieces thought imports greece.

as scythians prospered through trade greeks, settled down , started farming. established permanent settlements such site in belsk, ukraine believed scythian capital gelonus craft workshops , greek pottery prominent in ruins. pazyryk burials (east of scythia proper) important because frozen conditions have preserved wide variety of objects in perishable materials have not survived in ancient burials, on steppes or elsewhere. these include wood carvings, textiles including clothes , felt appliqué wall hangings, , elaborate tattoos on body of so-called siberian ice maiden. these make clear important ancient nomads , horses, tents, , wagons elaborately fitted out in variety of materials, many brightly coloured. iconography includes animals, monsters , anthropomorphic beasts, , deities including great goddess , energetic geometric motifs. archaeologists have uncovered felt rugs well-crafted tools , domestic utensils. clothing uncovered archaeologists has been made many trimmed embroidery , appliqué designs. wealthy people wore clothes covered gold embossed plaques, small gold pieces found in seem relatively ordinary burials. imported goods include famous carpet, oldest survive, made in or around persia.

granite kurgan stela, romania



the treasure of kul-oba, crimea, 400 350 bc.

steppes jewellery features various animals including stags, cats, birds, horses, bears, wolves , mythical beasts. gold figures of stags in crouching position legs tucked beneath body, head upright , muscles tight give impression of speed, particularly impressive. looped antlers of figures distinctive feature, not found in chinese images of deer. species represented has seemed many scholars reindeer, not found in regions inhabited steppes peoples @ period. largest of these central ornaments shields, while others smaller plaques attached clothing. stag appears have had special significance steppes peoples, perhaps clan totem. notable of these figures include examples from:

the burial site of kostromskaya in kuban dating 6th century bc (hermitage)
tápiószentmárton in hungary dating 5th century bc, national museum of hungary, budapest
kul oba in crimea dating 4th century bc (hermitage).

another characteristic form openwork plaque including stylized tree on scene @ 1 side, of 2 examples illustrated here. later large greek-made pieces include zone showing scythian men apparently going daily business, in scenes more typical of greek art nomad-made pieces. scholars have attempted attach narrative meanings such scenes, remains speculative.

although gold used ruling elite of various scythian tribes, predominant material various animal forms bronze. bulk of these items used decorate horse harness, leather belts & personal clothing. in cases these bronze animal figures when sewn onto stiff leather jerkins & belts, helped act armour.

the use of animal form went further ornament, these seemingly imbuing owner of item similar prowess & powers of animal depicted. use of these forms extended onto accoutrements of warfare, swords, daggers, scabbards, or axes.

the primary weapon of horse riding culture bow, & special case had been developed carry delicate powerful composite bow. case, gorytus , had separate container on outside acted quiver, & whole decorated animal scenes or scenes depicting daily life on steppes. there marked following of grecian elements after 4th century bc, when greek craftsmen commissioned decorate many of daily use articles.

scythian art has become known in west series of touring loan exhibitions ukrainian , russian museums, in 1990s , 2000s.