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Scythian Pectoral (4th century BCE)

Museum of Historical Treasures of Ukraine, Kyiv

The pectoral is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Scythian goldsmithing and one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Ukraine. Its artistic sophistication demonstrates the close interaction between Scythian and Greek craftsmanship in the Northern Black Sea region during the 4th century BCE.

Place of origin: Northern Black Sea region

Findspot: Tovsta Mohyla kurgan (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine), discovered by Borys Mozolevskyi (1971)

Materials: Gold

Techniques: Enameling, casting, repoussé, stamping, forging, wire drawing, inlay, soldering

Decoration: The ornament is crescent-shaped and divided by four twisted torques into three horizontal registers, each filled with sculptural scenes. The pectoral consists of more than 160 individual elements