© Museum of Gold and Precious Metals, Kazakhstan
Snow Leopard Plaque (Scytho-Sakian, 5th-4th Century B.C.). Tomb of the Golden Warrior, Issyk, Kazakhstan. Gold, stamping. 2 7/8 x 3 3/8 in. GMZ KP 861.
The history of the nomadic peoples of Kazakhstan in Central Asia can be traced back more than 2000 years. The physical remains of their sophisticated culture continue to be examined and interpreted by archaeologists and art historians alike. Discovered in 1969, the Tomb of the Golden Warrior has yielded much information about the early Eurasians' art, mythology and burial practices as well as their expansive land's wildlife. Birds, mountain goats, panthers, sheep and hybrid animals, such as winged horses with horns and eagle-headed griffins, figured largely in their garments' ornate gold ornamentation. The Snow Leopard Plaque (5th-4th Century B.C.) pictured above is a perfect example of the high level of craftsmanship that the nomadic Eurasian cultures were known for. Originally sewn directly onto a part of the Golden Warrior's outfit, this stylized ferocious feline's torso is twisted, giving the predatory beast's body a gentle curvilinear shape. Of Gold and Grass: Nomads of Kazakhstan includes more than 170 objects (ceramic and copper vessels, gold and silver jewelry, wooden and metal sculptures, handicrafts and textiles from the 14th Century B.C. to the 20th Century A.D.).
"Of Gold and Grass: Nomads of Kazakhstan" is on view from June 15 through September 9, 2007 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Drive , Houston, TX 77030 (Telephone: 713-639-4629; Website). The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Tuesday until 8:00 PM) and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is $9.00 for adults and $7.00 for seniors (age 62 or over), college students with valid school identification card and children (ages 3 to 11).
This picture comes from one of the many special art exhibitions available to you during Summer 2007. To view the full list of shows, please see this page.
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From your Guide: Stan Parchin, Senior Correspondent for Museums and Special Exhibitions, is a specialist in ancient, late-medieval and Renaissance art and history, and a regular contributor to About Art History. You may read all of his Special Exhibition and Catalogue Reviews here.
"Of Gold and Grass: Nomads of Kazakhstan" is on view from June 15 through September 9, 2007 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Drive , Houston, TX 77030 (Telephone: 713-639-4629; Website). The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Tuesday until 8:00 PM) and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is $9.00 for adults and $7.00 for seniors (age 62 or over), college students with valid school identification card and children (ages 3 to 11).
This picture comes from one of the many special art exhibitions available to you during Summer 2007. To view the full list of shows, please see this page.
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From your Guide: Stan Parchin, Senior Correspondent for Museums and Special Exhibitions, is a specialist in ancient, late-medieval and Renaissance art and history, and a regular contributor to About Art History. You may read all of his Special Exhibition and Catalogue Reviews here.