Gold stags

Golden stags. The golden stags are the most exquisite representations of Scythian art. They were found beside cremated bones in the tumulus graves of Mezokeresztes-Zoldhalompuszta and the vicinity of Tapioszentmarton. The stags were originally shield ornaments of the buried chief and symbolised power. Stag designs have been unearthed from tumulus graves of Scythian high-ranking nobles in the southern parts of Russia as well.