Who were these mysterious Scythians? Historians and archaeologists, even though they have known for some time that many or perhaps most Scythians were Caucasian, have been reluctant to identify them with confidence due to a number of factors.
Scythian history has been traditionally linked with Slavic history but it has also been clear for some time that Scythian art has strong connections with Celtic, ancient Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon art. Art historians have been reluctant to play up the connection between Scythian art and the art of the predecessors of western civilization. The tradition in historical circles has been to emphasize the influence of the classical Greco-Roman world on European culture and thus on its ancient art. More and more, though, this is changing to recognition of the "barbarian" and "eastern" roots of European culture.
The purpose of this page is to raise public awareness of Scythian art and to provide artists and craftsmen with a convenient reference of Scythian designs and motifs to use in their work.
"Animal Style" art, even when some of its more aggressive aspects are discarded, is a surprisingly useable and saleable art style for modern designers. It is dynamic - often the animals have a liveliness and movement to them that is not characteristic of other ancient art styles. This sense of movement is very suitable to the modern taste. Animal style art tends to be individualistic and inventive - two qualities highly valued in modern western society. Its emphasis on animals fits in nicely with the public's appreciation for wild creatures, an appreciation brought on by environmental concerns.
There is, oddly, a sense about some Scythian ornaments that reminds one of American Indian art. Where gems are used in Scythian ornaments, the gem frequently used is turquoise. It is not difficult to adapt many Scythian motifs to designs suitable for sterling silver jewelry pieces that could be worn with denim and other casual wear in much the same way as Southwest Indian jewelry is worn. Alternately, some Scythian ornaments (often those found in western sphere of Scythian habitation where Greek influence was more prevalent) are so refined in style that they would be suitable sources for inspiration for fine gold jewelry designs.
Scythian art is also suitable for other crafts such as wood carving (which the Scythians were experts in), stone carving, leather craft, needle crafts such as embroidery, rug making, felt appliqué and for decorative painting.
If you are interested in doing more research on animal style art, I suggest you see my book list and be prepared to look for material in a wide variety of books. This art style was used to some degree in varying forms by many groups, tribes and sub-tribes over quite a long period of time. It should be noted that for convenience I use the term Scythian very loosely to include Scythian proper, Sarmatian (which may be called eastern Scythian), Saka, Parthian, Kushan, Yueh-Chi, Guti, Hun (Hsiung-Nu), and other sub-tribes less familiar to the average reader.
What did they look like?
Typical Scythian artifacts, designs and motifs:
SCYTHIAN ARTIFACT SLIDE SHOW
Examples of my Scythian jewelry designs: SCYTHIAN JEWELRY FOR SALE: Examples of my stone work. More Articles on Scythian Art.
Scythian "animal style" art is a decorative art style that appeared in ancient times in the area of what is now southern Russia and Central Asia. Archaeological artifacts record its use all the way from the edges of Europe to the Great Wall of China. This was the territory of the nomadic Scythians and Scythian-type tribes over hundreds of years in ancient times from about 700 B.C.
This is a excellent site for color photos of Scythian gold and textiles.
All images and designs on this web page copyright 1998.
