Circa 600 BC. A large bronze terminal finely forged with the zoomorphic image of a stylised griffin which was formed to decorate the top of a large sceptre. An iron rod attached to connect terminal to sceptre. A weighty object with fine decoration. The griffin’s curved beak compliments the curving lines delineating the head, eye, and the outline of the head itself. The griffin head is not just decorative but also significant, for the protective aspect that the image of griffin provided. The Scythian’s believed in the magic and power of zoomorphic images contributed to their choice of animals decorating their works of art. Fine condition. Mounted on a custom-made display stand. This example is from Siberia, where the people were known as Scythians or Scytho-Siberians who left behind an imaginable number of tombs full of precious metalworks. Size: L:370mm / W:70mm ; 970g. Provenance: From a private collection; acquired in English art market from Daniel Aston; previously in Austrian private collection since 1963.