Sarmatian Diadem

This gold diadem encrusted with garnets, glass, turquoise, almanidine and pearls was made by the Sarmatian people in the 1st century AD. It was found near Novocherkassk in a burial mound (Khokhlach Burial Mound) and measures 61cm in length by 15cm in height (above the frieze). The Sarmatians were one of the groups of people who mixed with the Huns to create the Bulgars of the 5th to 9th centuries AD. Their artwork and the culture were incorporated into the Bulgars and many of their religious beliefs carried through as well such as this depiction of the Tree of Life seen on the diadem.