Scythian sculpture from Gumarovo

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Russia's Orenburg region, specifically Kuvandyk district, is home to a significant historical site known as the Big Gumarovsky kurgan. Excavations carried out in 1980 unearthed an impressive granite sculpture resembling a deer stone. The intricate artwork features a tiara, necklace, belt with sword and bow set ablaze by flames. Beneath this burial chamber lies a catacomb where the deceased was laid to rest on their back, facing south-east. Among the funeral inventory, a leather band-tiara stands out for its silver rivets and five gold-plated molded deer figures, which were sadly destroyed by 89 arrowheads. Dating back to the Early Iron Age, this remarkable find falls within the VII-VIII century BC timeline, firmly placing it within the realm of the Early Scythian culture. This invaluable piece is now part of the Orenburg Regional Museum's collection.