Scythians: Warriors of Ancient Siberia

Fascinating exhibition at the British Museum looking at a nomadic people, Scythians, who originated in Siberia and from 800-200 BC controlled the land between North China and the Black Sea.

This exhibition had some stunning gold objects but most interesting was how the Scythians had no written language so we have to work out their beliefs and how their society worked from the objects they have left. Also they were largely forgotten about until the early 18th century when their tombs were found. I was very interested in the section on how Peter the Great sent out expeditions to investigate and excavate the tombs and had the finds systematically recorded and drawn when they were brought back to St Petersburg.

There was a wonderful section looking at some of the tombs and including a head plus the skin off a body to show the intricate tattoos as well as a lovely selection of gold jewellery. I loved the sets of tiny gold plaques which were sewn on their clothes like gold sequins. I desperately wanted the set of tiny boars!

The display made good use of panoramic photographs of the countryside they lived in and in particular in the section on horsemanship a Sim like panorama with warriors riding across it or just appearing on the edges.

Closes on 14 January 2018,

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