Diadem Khokhlach Burial Mound, near Novocherkassk 1st century AD Gold, garnet, glass, turquoise, almandine, pearls L 61 cm, h (with a frieze) 15 cm The diadem consists of three hinged parts, the whole surface inlaid with garnet and glass. In the centre is an amethyst bust of a woman wearing a tunic and crowned with a gold wreath inlaid with almandine. The upper edge of the diadem is decorated with a figurative frieze representing a ritual scene of sacred animals processing towards the Tree of Life. The lower edge is decorated with pendants bearing rosettes rimmed with gold beads, pearls and small placques. This diadem is a typical example of the eclectic art which combed both Classical features and elements of Sarmatian art. It was intended for ritual use and was associated with the cult of fertility.