Archeologists discovered these pectoral decorations for harness in 1990, during the excavations of Aerodrom-I burial site in Rostov Region. The ceremonial set of harness was preserved because it was stored outside the grave. The burial site was robbed in antiquity, as was proved by excavations. The archeologists studied the shape and number of parts found and were able to reconstruct the decoration.

It consists of rounded pendants, four strap tips with blue and lilac inserts, and oval and rectangular elements that were fastened to straps.

To make horse harness ornaments, a thin silver plate with gilding and a pattern stamped on a special matrix were placed on the basic bronze plate. The embossed pattern was very elaborate, consisting of many elements, such as oblique crosses, prominent points, zigzags, stars, and triangles made of small decorative golden seed beads. All the artworks were decorated with colored inserts of carnelian and glass.

The jewelry style, in which the grand set of horse harness was made became popular in Eastern Europe in the 3rd and first half of the 4th century and was called Carnelian style. Before that, gold and turquoise style was widespread. It included epic and mythological narrative elements and rich decor of turquoise and sometimes of coral. Every artwork was decorated with many different-sized stones that emphasized mythological creatures’ and animals’ muscles, claws and eyes. The carnelian style is not so well researched today. It is known that elements of weapons, as well as parts of horse harness and belt sets were decorated in this style. Carnelian style was not as luxurious as gold-turquoise style. It was characterized by plainer and stricter composition, as well as clearly expressed geometry. These features make up a more rigorous and refined style.

The artworks were created in the workshops of Northern Black Sea Region, Panticapaeum and Chersonese. From there, they were delivered to nomadic, mostly Alanian noblemen as diplomatic gifts.