Ornamented plate made from horn
Early Iron Age
Dyakovo Culture
Horn
Height - 10.1 cm (min.), 12 cm (max.); length - 19.5 cm
Receipt: excavations of the Moscow expedition team under the supervision of H.I.Kris, 1970s.
Showcase 11
Pentagonal plate with a polished surface and two through holes in the upper part for mounting. On the front side is an image of an animal, probably hoofed, and a bird with its wing spread. The composition is supplemented by five groups of parallel vertical lines. All engraved lines end in dots (a drilled hole). Appearance of this type of ornamentation can probably be associated with the formation of a completely new distinctive style in the V–III Centuries BC in Dyakovo-type hillforts.
More information...Previously, the main ornamental motif was the animal style, imported from the Scythian-Sarmatian world. However, due to weakening of the influence of early nomad cultures on the forest zone, there was created an artistic and cult tradition of its own. One of the most striking items of this tradition is an ornamental plate from the Borshevo hillfort.
Functional purpose: is not determined yet. Possibly, an object of worship.
Notice of uniqueness: there are no direct analogs to the plate itself yet. However, a number of items have similar ornaments. It was found on the handles of knives from the Mamonovo and Dubrovitsa II hillforts.
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