CONCERNING THE PECTORAL FROM THE BURIAL MOUND TOLSTAYA MOGILA. BASED ON THE STUDY OF SCYTHIAN RELICS OF GREEK WORK

Abstract

The uniqueness and complexity of the composition on the pectoral examined here, a piece gold jewelry from the Scythian burial mound Tolstaya Mogila, С. 4 BC, encouraged researchers to assume it held exceptional significance in Scythian culture, and the idea emerged that the pectoral belonged to a Scythian cult role, and this view has been developed in most studies. However, we do not have any information confirming ritual its use. The pectoral was found in the mound, but outside the burial itself. The plot of the main narrative depicted can be correlated with an ancient legend about the origin of the dynasty of the Macedonian kings, the Argeades. Its style and technical features do not rule out identification of the place of manufacture as Macedonia or Northern Greece. The “Scythian tradition” in modern scholarship allows for the exchange of Royal gifts, as well as military trophies, between Scythian and Macedonian (Greek) rulers. Still, many things remain unclear. The pectoral has no analogues either in the Scythian world, or in the Greek. Despite the correspondence of its elements and techniques with those of other works, the pectoral remains an exceptional and individual work of art, still unsurpassed in the complexity of its design and the quality of its workmanship.