The collection of the Rostov Regional Museum of Local Lore includes artifacts from the kurgan complex “Five Brothers”, specifically kurgan No. 8, which was excavated in 1959 near the village of Yelizavetovskaya.
More than a thousand items made of gold and silver were discovered in this burial, including jewelry, parts of horse harnesses, weapons, and silver ceremonial vessels. The nature of the grave goods indicated the high status of the deceased individual. In popular scientific literature, this burial has been referred to as the “tomb of a Scythian king.”
Among the luxurious items, there were silver components of a bridle set made in the zoomorphic style, such as the cheekpieces and headstall (or noseband). They were found to the right of the deceased’s right leg. The set also includes iron bit rings with bronze bit shanks, which are a pair of vertical bars attached to the end of the bit to secure it in the mouth of a horse, as well as six bronze cast plates.
The cheekpieces feature an engraved feather pattern on the exterior. On the reverse side, there are fastenings for leather harness straps.
The headstall comprises a flat, silver plate with a complex design. In the center, there is a three-dimensional depiction of an animal’s head resting on a massive neck. The creature has elongated, flat ears. The eyes are outlined with circles. The nose is concave and oval. The mouth is wide open and rounded.
Amulets made in the animal style were integral components of horse harnesses and were said to have magical powers. They were intended to protect the horse and enhance its qualities. The supernatural power of beasts and birds depicted in the images was supposed to augment the efficacy of weapons, harnesses, and other elements of combat gear.
Archaeologists have discovered various types of artifacts crafted in the so-called animal style. They include torcs, bracelets, buckles, belt and sewn-on plates, vials, decorative phalerae from horse harnesses, and other items. Typically, all objects in this style feature depictions of artiodactyls, such as deer and elk, as well as mountain goats and predators like wolves, and even fantastical creatures.
