Lot 78. A Sarmatian gold lion griffin head appliqué, Northern Black Sea or Central Asian Steppes, circa 2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D. Lenght 4.5 cm., depth 1.5 cm. Estimate 3,500 — 4,500 GBP. Courtesy Sotheby's.

repoussé and with turquoise and enamel inlays over A black substance, probably bitumen.

Note:Such objects were probably ornaments from horse trappings or attachments to weaponry or its accompanying straps and belts. The central hole in the filler probably marks the position of an original gold attachment strut.