State Hermitage Museum :: Southern Siberia/Pazyryk

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The selection here is artifacts from the early nomadic cultures of Southern Siberia. The focus is on the objects excavated beginning in the 1920s from the graves in the Pazyryk region of the Altai Mountains, where the frozen ground preserved remarkably organic material. These artifacts are well known in part from the translation into English of the first major book on the finds, by S. I. Rudenko, and in part due to their having been in various exhibitions around the world. In the annotation, I have now used the revised datings for the graves, based on C14 and dendrochonology, which are summarized in Table 1 of E. V. Stepanova, "Evoliutsiia konskogo snariazheniia i otnositel'naia khronologiia pamiatnikov Pazyrykskoi kul'tury" [Evolution of horse harnesses and relative chronology of the monuments of the Pazyryk culture], Arkheologicheskie vesti (St. Petersburg), No. 13 (2006): p. 104. On the whole these dates are younger than the original ones proposed by Rudenko, but as Stepanova points out, it is possible that they may be further revised.

The references are to the following:

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Drawing of section of Pazyryk Barrow no. 5. 252-238 BCE.
Rudenko 1953, p. 33, fig. 11; Rudenko 1970, p. 20, fig. 6.
Sarcophagus in reconstruction of burial chamber.
Pazyryk, Altai, Barrow no. 5. 252-238 BCE.
Rudenko 1953, pl. XV; Rudenko 1970, pls. 29, 30.
Mummified body of a man.
Pazyryk Barrow no. 5. 252-238 BCE.
Rudenko 1953, p. 329, fig. 188, p. 331, fig. 189, pl. XVIII/3; Rudenko 1970, pls. 44d, 45, 46.
Mummified head of a man.
Pazyryk barrow no. 2, 300-290 BCE, excavated in 1947-1948. 60x28 cm.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, pl. XVIII, figs. 1, 2; p. 65; Rudenko 1970, p. 44A; pp. 46-47.
Tattooed skin of right arm of man, showing various monsters.
Pazyryk barrow no. 2, 300-290 BCE.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, p. 139, 298-302, 309-315; Rudenko 1970, pp. 111, 251-253, 260-266; Scythian 1969, cat. no. 52; Rudenko 1968, fig. 10, p. 24. Hermitage website.
Wooden headdress with pigtail.
Pazyryk barrow no. 5. 252-238 BCE.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, p, 123; pl. XXVI/2; Rudenko 1970, pp. 97-98; pl. 66a.
Woman's boot.
Pazyryk barrow no. 2, 300-290 BCE. Leather, textile, tin (or pewter), gold, pyrites. H. 36 cm.
Inv. no. 1681/218.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, pp. 118-121; pl. XXV/2; Rudenko 1970, pp. 93-97; pl. 64; From the Lands, cat. no. 125.
Women's footwear.
Pazyryk barrow no. 2, 300-290 BCE. H. of fur-trimmed boot, 25 cm.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, pp. 118-121; pl. XCIII/3, XCVI/4; Rudenko 1970, pp. 93-97; 152C, 155D.
Table with carved lion legs.
Pazyryk, Altai, Barrow no. 2, 300-290 BCE.
Rudenko 1953, pls. XIX, XX; Rudenko 1970, pls. 50-51.
Man's head-dress.
Pazyryk barrow no. 3, 299-260 BCE. Felt, leather, gold.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, p. 113-115; pl. XCVI/2; Rudenko 1970, p. 90-91; pl. 155B.
Spherical vessel and stand.
Pazyryk barrow no. 2, 300-290 BCE, excavated 1947. Birch, with horn handle and felt stand. H.15.3 cm.; diameter of base 18 cm.
Inv. No. 1684/47, 48.
Pub.: Rudenko, 1953, pl. XXI/1; Rudenko 1970, pl. 54/A; Golden Deer, cat. no. 193, p. 268.
Mallet.
Pazyryk, Altai, Barrow no. 2, 300-290 BCE. Antler.
Rudenko 1953, pl. LXXIII/8; Rudenko 1970, pl. 125/G.
Drum.
Pazyryk, Altai, 3rd c. BCE.
Musical instrument analogous to a harp.
Pazyryk, Altai, Barrow no. 2, 300-290 BCE.
Rudenko 1953, pl. LXXXVI/1; Rudenko 1970, pl. 146.
Drawing of felt applique decoration for carpet or wall hanging, depicting sphynx ("stag-demon") and fantastic bird.
Pazyryk barrow no. 5, 252-238 BCE, excavated 1949. Preserved piece 110x80cm.
Inv. 1687/1.
Rudenko 1953, pp. 321-323; pl. CXIV; Rudenko 1970, pp. 274-276; pl. 173; Rudenko 1968, pp. 66-68, 63 (fig. 51); Golden Deer, cat. no. 196, pp. 272-273. Cf. another carpet in similar technique on Hermitage website.
Fragment of applique decoration for carpet or wall hanging, depicting bird.
Pazyryk barrow no. 5, 252-238 BCE. Felt.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, pl. XC; Rudenko 1970, pl. 149; Golden Deer, p. 273.
Drawing reconstructing “tent” and wall hanging of Pazyryk Barrow no. 5, 252-238 BCE.
Cf. Rudenko 1953, pls. LXXXVIII, XCV; Rudenko 1970, pls. 147, 154.


Pile carpet.
Pazyryk barrow no. 5, 252-238 BCE. Wool. 183 x 200 cm.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, pp. 351-356; pl. CXV-CXVI; Rudenko 1968, Ch. 2; Rudenko 1970, pp. 298-304; pl. 174-175; Opie, Tribal Rugs, Ch. 3; Hermitage website.
Carriage (reconstructed from dismantled pieces).
Pazyryk barrow 5, 252-238 BCE. Wheel diameter 150 cm.; axle length 3.1 m.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, pp. 232-235; Rudenko 1970, pp. 189-193, pl. 129, 131; Hermitage website, view 1, view 2.
Swan, decoration on felt rug of carriage.
Pazyryk barrow no. 5, 252-238 BCE, excavated 1949. Felt, L. 35 cm.
Inv. no. 1687/262.
Pub.: Rudenko 1968, fig. 77, p. 86; From the Lands, cat. no. 118, color pl. 25; cf. Rudenko 1953, pl. CVIII; Rudenko 1970, pl. 166; Hermitage website.
Carved finial (crest) of unknown object.
Pazyryk barrow no. 2, 300-290 BCE. Wood, leather. H. 35 cm.
Inv. no. 1684/170.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, pl. LXXXIII; Rudenko 1970, pl. 141; Scythian 1969, cat. no. 47; Charrière no. 358; From the Lands, cat. no. 133.
Horse tails wrapped in gold foil.
Pazyryk, Altai, 2nd Bashadar barrow (?), 6th or 5th c. BCE (date uncertain, but earlier than other Pazyryk graves).
Reconstruction of saddle decoration
Pazyryk, Bashadar Barrow, Altai, 6th or 5th c. BCE (date uncertain, but earlier than other Pazyryk graves), excavated 1950. Wooden vulture ornament to right, H.14.5 cm.
Inv. no. 1793/347.
Pub.: Rudenko 1960, fig. 145d, p. 286; From the Lands, cat. no. 111; wooden ornament to left, Rudenko 1968, fig. 18, p. 29.
Bird-shaped ornament covered in gold foil.
Bridle.
Pazyryk, 2nd Badashar barrow,6th or 5th c. BCE (date uncertain, but earlier than other Pazyryk graves). Leather, with bronze and gold decoration.
Pub.: Rudenko 1960, pl. XXXV.
Reins and chest strap for saddle (separate pieces).
Wood, gold foil.
Pazyryk, Altai, 2nd Bashadar barrow, 6th or 5th c. BCE (date uncertain, but earlier than other Pazyryk graves).
Rudenko 1960, pls. XLIII-XLVI.
Fragment of saddle-cloth hanging depicting tiger.
Pazyryk, 2nd Bashadar barrow, 6th or 5th c. BCE (date uncertain, but earlier than other Pazyryk graves). Felt.
Pub.: Rudenko 1960, pl. CXXII.
Decorations for saddle hanging, forming image of tiger head.
Pazyryk, Altai, 2nd Bashadar barrow, 6th or 5th c. BCE (date uncertain, but earlier than other Pazyryk graves).
Wood, covered with gold foil; originally attached to red felt.
Rudenko 1960, pl. CXVI.
Decoration with rams' heads for front bow of a saddle.
Pazyryk, 2nd Bashadar barrow, 6th or 5th c. BCE (date uncertain, but earlier than other Pazyryk graves). Wood, decorated with gold leaf and sewn on red felt.
Pub.: Rudenko 1960, pl. CXVI/2.
Reconstruction drawing of horse with harness.
Pazyryk, Altai, Barrow no. 1, 305-288 BCE, second riding outfit.
Decorative hangings for saddle blankets.
Pazyryk, Altai, Barrow no. 1, 305-288 BCE
The first set from Barrow no. 1 (second riding outfit) depicts a ram’s head seized by a fish.
Rudenko 1953, p. 285, fig. 167; Rudenko 1970, pl. 47.
Saddle cover depicting gryphon attacking a mountain goat.
2nd riding outfit, Pazyryk barrow no. 1, 305-288 BCE, excavated 1929. Felt, leather, fur, hair and gold, L. 119 cm.
Inv. no. 1295/150.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, pl. LXXVII, CXI, CXII; Rudenko 1968, ill. 13, p. 27; Rudenko 1970, pl. 135, 170-171; From the Lands, cat. no. 112, pl. 24; Scythian 1969, p. 9; cat. no. 45; Hermitage website.
Boars’ teeth, decoration for horse harness.
Pazyryk, Altai, 2nd Bashadar barrow (?), 6th or 5th c. BCE (date uncertain, but earlier than other Pazyryk graves).
Cf. Rudenko 1960, pl. XX/1-3.
Horse head-dress (drawing).
Pazyryk, Altai, Barrow no. 1, 305-288 BCE.
Rudenko 1953, p. 220, fig. 134; Rudenko 1970, pl. 122/A.
Horse head-dress.
Crest in form of mountain goat with bird sitting on it.
Pazyryk, Altai, Barrow no. 2, 300-290 BCE.
Rudenko 1953, p. 223, fig. 137; Rudenko 1970, pl. 122/B
Horse mask in form of deer antlers.
5th riding outfit, Pazyryk barrow no. 1, 305-288 BCE.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, pp. 214, 219; pl. LXXI/1; Rudenko 1970, p. 179; pl. 119; Charrière, fig. 266.
“Ibex horn” for horse mask.
Wood, covered in gold and silver foil.
Pazyryk, Altai, 2nd Bashadar barrow, 6th or 5th c. BCE (date uncertain, but earlier than other Pazyryk graves).
Rudenko 1960, pl. XXXVIII.
Model of horse head wearing bridle.
Pazyryk, Altai, Barrow no. 1, 305-288 BCE, first riding outfit.
Rudenko 1953, pl. XXXI; Rudenko 1970, pl. 79A.
Bridle.
Pazyryk, Altai, Barrow no. 1, 305-288 BCE, 5th riding outfit.
Rudenko 1953, pl. XXXVI; Rudenko 1970, pl. 84.
Horse bridle; detail pendant carved in paired deer.
Pazyryk, Alrai, Barrow no. 1, 305-288 BCE. 8th riding outfit, wood, leather.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, pl. XL, XLI; Rudenko 1970, pl. 88, 89; Scythian 1969, cat. no. 44; cf. Charrière, nos. 263, 268.
Saddle blanket, hangings with lion heads and chest harness decoration.
Pazyryk, Altai, Barrow no. 1, 305-288 BCE
Rudenko 1953, p. 283, fig. 166, pl. CXII; Rudenko 1970, pls. 48, 172.
Bridle, possibly for draught horse.
Pazyryk, Altai, Barrow 5, 252-238 BCE. Leather, wood, gold.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, pl. LXX/1-2; Rudenko 1970, pl. 118/A-B.
Bridle ornaments including “ibex horns”.
Pazyryk, Altai, 1st Tuekta barrow, 430-420 BCE.
Rudenko 1960, pl. LXX.
Decorative disk for forehead of bridle.
Pazyryk, Altai, 1st Tuekta barrow, 430-420 BCE.
Rudenko 1960, pl. CI/1.
Covering for felt saddle-cloth, Chinese origin.
Pazyryk, Altai, Barrow 5, 252-238 BCE, fifth riding outfit. Embroidered silk.
Rudenko 1953, pp. 214-218, figs. 129-132, pl. CXVIII; Rudenko 1970, pp. 174-178, pl. 178.


Covering for felt saddle-cloth (shabrack), probably of middle-eastern origin.
Pazyryk, Altai, Barrow no. 5, 252-238 BCE. 1st riding outfit, Fine wool. W. min. 60 cm.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, p. 207; pl. CXVII; Rudenko 1968, pp. 73-79; Rudenko 1970, p. 168; pl. 177.
Saddle-blanket (shabrack).
Pazyryk, Altai, Barrow no. 5, 252-238 BCE. 2nd riding outfit, felt. 70 x 236 cm.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, p. 208; pl. CI; Rudenko 1970, p. 169; pl. 160; Charrière, fig. 120.
Saddle blanket (shabrack).
Pazyryk, Altai, Barrow no. 5, 252-238 BCE. 4th riding outfit, felt. 65 x 233 cm.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, p. 210; pl. CIII; Rudenko 1970, p. 173; pl. 162.
Saddle cover but with various decorative hangings not shown.
Pazyryk, Altai, Barrow no. 5, 252-238 BCE. 5th riding outfit.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, pp. 210-218, esp. fig. 128; Rudenko 1970, pp. 172-177, esp. fig. 88. Individual parts of decoration shown in separate plates.
Bridle and stag decoration of horse head.
Pazyryk, Altai, Barrow no. 5, 252-238 BCE. 5th riding outfit.
Pub.: Rudenko 1953, pp. 210-212; fig. 127, pls. LXVIII, LXIX, LXXI; Rudenko 1970, pp. 171-174; fig. 87, pls. pls. 116, 117, 121C-D.
Map showing cultural boundaries and connections of Pazyryk nomads.
Mirrors.
On left, mirror [7th-4th c. BCE], 8th-7th c. BCE, excavated Ust'-Bukhtarma, Altai Mountains. Bronze. Dia.13.5 cm.
Inv. no.GE 1122/54.
Pub.: Golden Deer, no. 169, p. 248.
"Cup" with ibex.
"Tatar" culture, 6th-3rd c. BCE "Tatar" culture, 6th-3rd c. BCE. Bronze,
Deer ornaments.
Tatar culture, 6-3 c. BCE, middle Enisei region. Bronze.
Petroglyph of hunter with bow.
6th-3rd c. BCE Gora Oglakhti, Krasnoiarsk krai.
Fragment of bridle which lacked iron bit.
Zabaikal region, tomb 5., S. Saiantui. Bone.
Cauldron.
Minusinsk Basin. Bronze.

Last revised May 10, 2007.