Pectoral Plaque
Sakae Culture
6th-5th century BC
Gold
H 9.3 cm, w 10.9 cm, wt 221.2 g
This plaque is formed of a feline
beast of prey. Its outstretched neck
and body curve round to form a
semicircle, while the tail and paws,
freely arranged within the ring, are
linked to each other and to the
beast's face with cast crosspieces.
The plaque is fashioned in high relief.
At the ends of the paws, tail and on
the face there are circle rings for
inlays. On the reverse are three loops to
attach the plaque to a garment.
The figure of a curved beast of prey is
characteristic of the early Scythian
Animal Style.
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