One of Eight Teardrop-Shaped Plaques with Granulation and Argali Decoration. Gold. L. 7.4–4.9; H. 3.9–2.67; D. 2.1–1.2 cm Zhalauli (Kegen district), 7th–6th century BCE. Central State Museum, Almaty: KP 22030/1-8 Photography © The Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Almaty

The so-called “Zhalauli Treasure” was discovered by chance in 1988. The hoard was assembled and hidden at an unknown time, but in addition to the ancient gold objects, it also contained one piece of 19th-century silver jewelry. The most massive and elaborately worked objects are a set of belt plaques decorated with a field of granulation that surrounds tiny plaques depicting argali (mountain sheep) with their legs folded under them. The rump and shoulder of each argali is cut for the insertion of tear-drop shaped inlay, some of which is preserved.