The nomadic populations of Siberia in the first millennium BC, seen through exceptional archaeological displays from the Hermitage, including striking examples of the goldsmith's art.
[Siberia. The men of the frozen rivers] The catalogue explores over one thousand years of history, culture and tradition of the nomadic peoples of Siberia. The archaeological exhibits, mostly dating back to between the 7th and the 4th centuries BC, come from the halls and caveaux of the Hermitage Museum of St. Petersburg, owner of the large collection begun by Peter the Great in the early decades of the 1700s. The objects, most of which have never before left Russia, clearly indicate the relationships between the culture of the Siberian Scythians the Scythians of the Pontus steppes, in direct contact with the Greek and Hellenistic world. The relics are exceptionally well preserved, thanks to the climate conditions that have “hibernated” otherwise perishable materials. Apart from the extraordinary works of goldsmithery – jewelry, plaques, buttons and precious objects – the catalogue includes fabric fragments, wooden objects and masks, utensils and decorative elements. The texts are by authoritative Russian scholars.