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Scythian urn with warriors, Kul Oba kurhan, Crimea, 4th century BC


Title: Spherical Vessel with Representations of Scythians in Relief
Place: The Northern Black Sea Region
Date: Second half of the 4th century BC
Place of finding: Crimea, the environs of Kerch
Archaeological site: Kul Oba Barrow
Material: electron [electrum]
Technique: chasing, soldering, engraving, drawing
Dimensions: h. 13 cm
Acquisition date: Entered the Hermitage in 1831
Inventory Number: КО.-11
Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg
Picture Source: Eurasian Steppe Nomads


Referenced on p.23, Scythians 700-300 B.C. by E.V.Cernenko, A.McBride, M.V.Gorelik
Another face of the Kul Oba vessel shows two warriors conversing, both holding spears or javelins. The gorytos is clearly indicated on the left hip of the bare-headed spearman; his companion's shield is interesting, perhaps representing a plain leather covering over a wooden or wicker base.


Larger images:
A Skythian warrior stringing a bow, Urn, Kul Oba kurhan, Crimea, 4th century BC
A Skythian warrior examining the teeth of another, Urn, Kul Oba kurhan, Crimea, 4th century BC
A Skythian warrior binding the leg of another, Urn, Kul Oba kurhan, Crimea, 4th century BC
Skythian warriors with spears, Urn, Kul Oba kurhan, Crimea, 4th century BC


See also Scythian Infantry in Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars by Duncan Head, illustrated by Ian Heath, based on this urn from Kul Oba kurhan
Back to Scythian, Saka and Sarmatian Illustrations of Costume and Soldiers
or Illustrations of Scythian, Cimmerian and Sarmatian Costume and Soldiers from the Black Sea Region