Scythian, 6th century B.C.

Bronze

L: 5 cm

Serial: 2587

Provenance

Ex- European private collection, acquired prior to 1994

This decorative and finely cast, yet utilitarian object represents the high quality metalwork for which the Scythian culture is known. Inhabiting lands to the north and east of the Greek world, the Scythians were a nomadic tribe known for their prowess in horsemanship, and a people for whom the horse was of paramount importance. Their art is particularly notable for Occidental and Oriental themes unified into a distinctive “Scythian animal style,” which depicted schematized, silhouette-like figures of animals that the Scythians first produced at the end of the 7th and during the 6th centuries B.C.

On this plaque, the animal’s triangular-shaped, leonine ear establishes the identity of the avian head as that of a griffin rather than an eagle. Like other figures done in the animal style, the head of the griffin is abstracted into broad, flat planes separated by deep grooves. The griffin’s curved beak compliments the curving lines delineating the head, eye, and the outline of the plaque itself, which is cast with a loop on the back for attachment to the bridle. The use of a griffin head as a decorative plaque for a horse bridle is particularly appropriate and significant for the protective aspect that the image of a griffin provided. The Scythian belief in the magic power of zoomorphic images contributed to their choice of animals decorating their works of art. The ornamentation of weapons and horse harnesses with images of strong, swift animals held a special significance because the Scythians believed that such qualities as strength, speed, a keen eye, and an acute sense of smell could be transferred from images to the warrior, his weapon, and his horse. There is well-founded speculation that the griffin was an ancient misconception derived from fossilized remains of the Protoceratops found in gold mines in the Altai Mountains of ancient Scythia. A legendary composite creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, the griffin was believed to be a courageous and bold creature, particularly since it would have incorporated the power of both animals, therefore becoming king over all creatures on land as well as in the air, a symbol of divine power, and guardian of the divine. As such, the griffin took on a largely apotropaic role as a protector against evil, misfortune, or witchcraft of any sort. This would have been crucially important for the protection not only of a horseman, but also his mount, which could take a man swiftly into battle and allow his speedy return to safety if necessary.

In the early Iron Age the custom of men riding upon horses – horsemen and cavalry – was gradually developed with Scythian influence becoming evident in the 7th century B.C. From the early 6th century B.C. Greek settlers and traders on the northern coast of the Black Sea brought Scythians into close contact with their new cultural influence. The Scythians and their art forms were additionally influenced by their contact with civilizations of the Near East and Central Asia. Powerful enough to defeat the army of Alexander the Great in the 4th century B.C., the Scythians were eventually subdued by forces from the east and subsequently led a settled existence in the Crimea. Horses and their trappings, however, with which the Scythians were so closely identified, remained important status symbols throughout the ancient world and into the modern era.