Harness Decorations

Description

Decorations for horse harnesses dating back to the Iron Age.
They are made of bronze and have various shapes:
The main group consists of round, hemispherical plaques with a green patina that has formed over time in the ground. These plaques were sewn or attached to the leather straps of the harness and served as decorative elements.
The lower part features rectangular and elongated pieces with holes, which were likely used for attaching or connecting parts of the harness.
Such decorations had a dual function:
1. Practical- they strengthened leather belts, making them more durable.
2. Decorative- they emphasized the status of the owner and gave the harness a ceremonial appearance.
Such elements are often found in the burials of the Scythian-Saka nobility and reflect both the high level of metallurgy and the special significance of the horse in the military and religious life of the nomadic societies of the Iron Age.
Location: Zhetysu region, Kerbulak district, Koksaykorum-5v. 2023
Date: Iron Age
Technical