Gold of Peter the Great: Scythian goldsmithing techniques

Mongiatti, Aude; Korolkova, Elena

Gold of Peter the Great: Scythian goldsmithing techniques

Resource type

Book chapter

Creator (person)

Mongiatti, Aude

ORCID

Korolkova, Elena

Date published

2020

Abstract

The Siberian Collection of Peter the Great is the earliest archaeological collection of any kind in Russia and contains around 240 gold artefacts from the ancient Scythian and Sarmatian nomadic cultures of Eurasia. This unique collection of pairs of symmetrical buckles, torcs, bracelets and other items of personal adornment provides an important source for understanding these cultures. Unfortunately, the lack of any precise data on their findspots, owing to their discovery through tomb robbing rather than archaeological excavation, the gradual accumulation of objects and frequent museum transfers, create a complex story for this collection, yet it remains one of the most valuable sources for research on the history of early Eurasian nomads and provides clues to their material and spiritual cultures. The manufacturing and decorative technologies of 15 gold artefacts from this collection were studied non-invasively using digital microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. High-magnification photomicrographs help identify and record features, tool marks and surface textures which are characteristic of the goldsmithing techniques. This investigation confirmed that all but one of these belt plaques were cast whereas most other artefacts were manufactured by hand-working gold sheets and further decorated by chasing, repoussé and punching. The wide range of identified techniques was widely known and commonly used by goldsmiths in the 1st millennium BC, although the casting process involving textile seems to be more confined to the Far East and is so far unknown to the Near East and central Asia. The hand-working manufacturing and decorative techniques are similar to those previously identified on Achaemenid 'Court Style’ and Scythian-style artefacts from the Oxus Treasure which suggests some close contact and exchange of knowledge and skills between Achaemenid and Scythian goldsmiths.