Transfer of artistic traditions between Scythians and Achaemenid Empire Illustrated by the example of textiles from kurgans of the Altai Mountains
Abstract
Pazyryk barrow in Altai Mountains yielded many interesting artefacts from the Scythian period. Specific natural conditions conserved inventory of burial chambers including organic materials.
What stands out most are richly decorated textiles which provide a large amount of information not only about Scythian art and animal style but also about transfer of various artistic traditions. The Achaemenid inspiration is strongly visible on textile artefacts from these barrows.
Motives which occur on the carpets and saddle cloths noticeably resemble ornamentation of objects produced in the centre of the Achaemenid Empire in both the small - scale art and in architectural relief decoration of Achaemenid palaces. By comparing of individual artistic features we will be able to gain better understanding of transfer of artistic traditions between the Achaemenid Empire and Scythian world.