Western Asia, Scythian culture, ca. mid 1st millennium BCE. A very fine Scythian gold applique (more than 18 karat gold) depicting a zoomorphic form - likely a pig or boar - presented in profile with remarkable details including an incised hairy coat, hooves, and an expressive face. 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: 1.5" W x .875" H (3.8 cm x 2.2 cm); 2.75" H (7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Davis collection, Houston, Texas, USA

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#140297

Adhesive behind snout suggests possible repair. Attached to stand with putty, but probably removeable. Unable to weigh since attached to stand. Gold has an attractive warm patina that has developed over the ages. Old inventory label on back of stand base.