This detail from a Scythian gorytos
(combination bow-and-arrow holder) is among the Ukranian Scythian treasures now
on view in Baltimore, and travelling later to L.A., Toronto, Brooklyn, Kansas
City, and finally the Grand Palais in Paris.
Gorgeous, isn't it? It's also
featured in the current Smithsonian, from which I've cribbed some
details.
This particular image is taken from
the following site, where a large collection of equally sumptuous pictures may
be found:
Scythian gold -- particularly that
of the Royal Scythians -- was created by Greek artisans living in cities along
the Black Sea for the steppe market. Compared to contemporary works created for
the Greek market, the Scythian stuff is downright vulgar, but gorgeous
nonetheless.
Since the Scythians are almost
always identified as Iranians, and since this stuff was made by Greeks, let
us account these as Indo-European treasures first.
Mark.