4th-2nd century BC. A gold foil repoussé plaque with facing animal mask, pierced twice for attachment. See Reeder, E. Scythian Gold: Treasures from Ancient Ukraine, New York, 1999. For similar appliques from the Tsviatkova tumulus grave, see the National History Museum, Sofia, Bulgaria, inv. no. 36389. 0.64 grams, 18mm (3/4"). UK art market, acquired prior to 1980. Gold appliques such as these were sewn onto the clothing of Scythian noble men and women. Examples are known from a number of Scythian graves, such as a burial at Tovsta Mohyla near Ordzhonikidze in central Ukraine. Here the appliques were attached to hats, shoes and clothing and would have presented a dazzling display of wealth and power.

Very fine condition.