Western Asia, Scythian culture, ca. 4th to 3rd century BCE. A fascinating gold lid (94% gold, equivalent to more than 22K), quite large and presenting a circular form with a large central knob. Surrounding the knob is a continuous frieze of 8 ibexes - several arranged in pairs and facing one another with intertwined antlers as if fighting or playing - skillfully delineated in repousse. The lid's circular shape suggests that it may have belonged to a special pyxis - a lidded cylindrical container used to hold precious jewelry, cosmetics, or special ointments. Size: 5.25" in diameter x 2" H (13.3 cm x 5.1 cm); weight: 98.7 grams; gold quality: 94% gold, equivalent to 22K+
The Scythians are famous for their goldwork, and rightly so; hoards of their treasures have been found throughout eastern and central Europe and western and central Asia. These hoards may represent gifts that were made to foreign rulers, votive offerings, or treasures buried and forgotten. Other gold artifacts from this culture are found in their incredibly rich graves. According to Scythian tradition, warriors (both male and female) were buried alongside their servants and horses, with weapons, harnesses, and personal adornments to provide for them in the afterlife.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-private Japanese collection, acquired in 1980's
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#149163
Condition
Cracks and losses to upper face as shown. Indentations to the circular face, borders, and knob commensurate with age, and a few stains on the verso. The zoomorphic imagery is still quite strong.