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BRONZE SCYTHIAN ARROWHEAD - Black Sea Region - Balkans EARLY IRON AGE: 7th - 3rd CENTURY BC This is a complete and well-preserved bronze tri-lobate arrowhead from the Scythian culture. The Scythians were masters of both horse and archery. They were deadly with their small compound bows firing arrows from horseback tipped with arrowheads such as this specimen. The small profile of this arrowhead made it highly accurate when fired from a moving horse as it was not as susceptible to crosswinds compared to broader-shaped projectiles. NO RESTORATION OR REPAIR. The Scythians were a warring, nomadic people from the Steppe region that occupied the northern Black Sea area in the Early Iron Age from 700 to 300 B.C.. They ruled an enormous region in what is now the former Soviet Union. Groups of Scyths penetrated as far west as Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Prussia. Masters of both horse and bow and arrow, they are considered amongst the first of the great horse archers. Small compound bows were used firing salvos of bronze tipped arrowheads with uncanny accuracy while at full gallop. Their cavalry and light horse-drawn wagons allowed them greater mobility than their enemies. Scythian battle horses wore elaborate ornaments of bronze, silver and gold. The horses were armored with handsomely worked eyepieces and nose shields richly decorated with various animal motifs. While most men had multiple horses, favorite mounts were pampered and highly decorated. Because of their nomadic lifestyle, Scythians were always close with nature and had deep respect beliefs in the magical power of many beasts. Clothing and armor was decorated with images of various animals (both real and fantasy) as well as bronze, silver and gold pins and appliqués were used for protection. Most important animals included panthers, lions, griffins and antlered stags. The stag was believed to transport the soul of the dead to the Other World. Often, elaborate renderings of the antlers is used in their art. The Scythians battled, terrorized and influenced the cultures of the Assyrians, the Medes, the Persians and the Macedonians. Scythian fighting techniques could adapt to the moment allowing them to fight as a marauding band or as a disciplined army, both mounted and un-mounted. Burial discoveries have helped us to learn about their weapons and armor. Early Scythian burials were cremations lacking any possessions but later tombs were filled with items designed to be used in the afterlife. These included items such as a bow, several dozen arrows, spears and or javelins, defensive armor and swords. NICE INTACT EXAMPLE 1.2" in length SOLD SC001 INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX Actual Item - One Only |
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