Textiles from Scythian burial complexes Cover Image

Textiles from Scythian burial complexes
Textiles from Scythian burial complexes

Author(s): Elena E. Fialko, Yuri V. Boltryk
Subject(s): Archaeology
Published by: Muzeul Naţional de Istorie a Moldovei
Keywords: Scythians; Nothern Black Sea steppe; burial; female costume

Summary/Abstract: In Northern Black Sea steppes were excavated more than three thousand Scythian burial mounds. In the studied burials were discovered large quantities of artifacts, but leather and textile items are preserved only in a few cases. Some ideas about Scythian costume are found in the works of Greek authors. In this regard, extremely important is the funerary complex dated with the 4th century BC, discovered in barrow Vishnevaja Moghila (Zaporizhia region, Ukraine). In the crypt, which remained undisturbed over time, was found a burial of a Scythian girl. The unique condition of preservation of the textiles and leather findings allowed reconstructing the entire costume of the Scythian. It consisted of six layers of clothing. Various pieces of clothing were made from different materials: white linen cloth, orange satin fabric, reddish-brown fur, black cloth, fur, red skin. This discovery is one of a kind in the Northern Black Sea region, which is currently a reference example of female costume of early nomads of the region.

  • Issue Year: VII/2013
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 335-344
  • Page Count: 10
  • Language: English