Western Asia, Scythian culture, ca. mid 1st millennium BCE. A fascinating gold applique (more than 18 karat gold) in the form of a rearing quadruped with its legs curled up and a short, snubbed snout. The animal also has a triangular ear and a long, thin tail that rises along the back. This is probably a leopard or another type of feline. Delicate hooks on the hollow reverse show how it would have been attached to a piece of clothing. 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. Size: 0.8" W x 0.8" H (2 cm x 2 cm); 2.4" H (6.1 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Davis collection, Houston, Texas, USA
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#140296
Condition
Snout is slightly bent, giving it a foreshortened appearance. With a glowing gold patina. Attached to stand with putty, but probably removeable. Unable to weigh since attached to stand. Old inventory label on back of stand base.