A “Deer with Golden Horns”: Analysis of the Plot of the Saddle Decoration from an Elite Burial in the Kazakh Altai

Research on the saddle decoration from Berel burial mound no. 11 in the Kazakh Altai reveals shared mythological and artistic motifs between early nomadic populations of the Altai Mountains and Zhetysu, dating to the Early Iron Age. The study analyzes the conservation, restoration, and exhibition preparation of the saddle, while also interpreting its symbolic content. Findings indicate that the decoration aligns with cult attributes from Zhetysu, suggesting cultural continuity or exchange in this region during a pivotal period of nomadic history.

Jumabekova, G., Dossayeva, D., Bazarbayeva, G.,. (2023). A “Deer with Golden Horns”: Analysis of the Plot of the Saddle Decoration from an Elite Burial in the Kazakh Altai. Stratum plus. Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology, (3), 69–83. https://doi.org/10.55086/sp2336983