scythian gold

Today the Handmade Division is blogging on things that inspire us to create. I find inspiration in many ways, including taking a historical look at metalwork. I've been reading a catalog from an exhibition of Scythian gold from 3000-100 BC held at the Met in 1975. Many of the objects are quite famous but all are new to me.

This one is probably the most well-known, a golden pectoral from the royal grave at Tolstaja Mogila kurgan, Ukraine, 400 BC. The catalog doesn't give much detail on how it was made, it does mention that the figural elements were cast and that's it probably Greek workmanship.

The weight of the piece is 1150 grams, or 36.9 troy oz, or 2.5 lb. Assuming it's 24k that's $47,232 worth of gold at yesterday's spot price. You can read more about the pectoral here.

I am in awe of the detail and incredibly skilled craftsmanship of this object that is so very old. I've been researching metalwork in the Iron Age and discovered that blowpipes were used for soldering as early as 2500 BC.


The Hermitage has this wonderful hair comb, also 4th century BC, read more here. It certainly inspires me!


Please visit these team members to read about their inspirations:

Andes Cruz
Lisa Hopkins Design
Jewelry by Natsuko
Beth Cyr
ArtJewel Designs
Abhaya Fibers
Bella-Bijou Jewellery
Alice Istanbul
Susan Moloney
Lunasa Designs Jewelry
nanotopia
Nancy Dale
Delias Thompson