Heading: Scythian Copper Alloy Dragon Belt Slider 5th-3rd Century BC

Material: Bronze with rich patina

Period: Scythian empire

Date: 5th-3rd century BC

Origin: Central Asia, Siberia & Pontic-Caspian steppe (modern-day southern Russia and Ukraine)

Condition: VF+ Nice green patina. Rare.

Description: A belt slider of copper alloy in the form of two interlocking dragons; with a nice emerald green patina and fully intact.

Size and Weight: 25 x 25 x 12 mm, 11.93g

References: Cf. Hattatt's Ancient & Romano-British Brooches, p155

Features and Provenance: Ex Essex Coin Auctions, artefact sale

The Scythians were a loose confederation of ancient Iranian nomadic horse archers that dominated large parts of Central Asia and Siberia before migrating westward into the Pontic-Caspian steppe (modern-day southern Russia and Ukraine). Scythian artisans excelled in metalworking, particularly the 'animal style' where mythical creatures like dragons, and beasts are depicted in dynamic, interlocking, or S-shaped positions. Belt mounts and plaques were not just functional closures, they were status symbols worn by elite Scythian warriors. The dragon figure carried symbolic importance in Eurasian mythology, often acting as a protective amulet to speed the owner into the afterlife or defend against enemies.

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Code   RNC551