Scythian image of a stag, gold, found in Crimea, Ukraine, 5th century BCE

The Scythians had reverence for the stag, which was one of the most common motifs in their artwork, especially at funeral sites. The swift animal was believed to speed the spirits of the dead on their way to the afterlife.

Fascinating, especially how many different animals are carved on it. I wonder who this would have belonged to.

Ancient peoples are often very proficient in their craftwork, to a surprising degree to our modern eyes, but the Scythians in particular were renowned by the Greeks for their skill in decorative metalworking. Some absolutely fantastic stuff, their reputation was well-earned!