This rich and fascinating collection from the Altai mountains dates to the Scythian-Sakae period (6th–4th centuries BC) and embraces over 5,000 items. At its heart lie the unique articles found during excavation of the burial mounds of Pazyryk in the Eastern part of the High Altai, at a height of 1,600 metres above sea level.

Large Altaic burial mounds were intended for those who occupied high positions in early nomadic society, such as chiefs, elders and priests. According to custom, the chief's wife or concubine was also buried with him and all the dead bodies were embalmed. Deep graves were hollowed out for the burial, and many objects considered both precious and necessary were interred along with the bodies.

Local climactic conditions proved to be ideal for the preservation of these tombs, as water and moisture gradually seeped down between the stones and turned to ice in the winter, never thawing during the summer, thus freezing and preserving items of wood, felt, leather, fur, silk and other perishable materials. Sadly, nearly all the graves had already fallen victim to tomb robbers in the past and items of precious materials such as gold had mostly been stolen before scholars had a chance to study them.

Of great interest is the body of the chief from Burial Mound No. 2 at Pazyryk. His body was almost completely covered with tattoos, the main motifs being fabulous animals - for these people were hunters. Horses (from 5 to 22) with lavish harness were also usual features in such tumuli.

The tombs have produced a rich selection of clothing, footwear, domestic objects and harness, nearly all with elements of decoration in gold, silver, wood, horn, leather and fur in various styles including the famous Scythian-Siberian animal style. Ancient artists depicted beasts of prey, herbivorous and fabulous animals. There are representations of animal heads or isolated figures of running, lying or standing animals, and scenes of fighting, dramatic, dynamic and full of inner strength. The figures represented in the fighting scenes are typical of the art of Western Asia and of Graeco-Scythian art.

The ancient Altai nomads maintained cultural and trading links with the peoples of Central Asia and the Near East, and thus Chinese mirrors and silk, not to mention woollen textiles from Iraq, have all been found in the burial mounds. Mention must be made of the world's most ancient pile carpet, and of another carpet made in the applique technique and measuring 30 metres square. A rare find, effectively displayed in these rooms, is the large wooden funerary chariot (h 3 m, diam of wheels 1,5 m).

Chariot 5th-4th centuries BC Full description

Deer (terminal) 5th century BC Full description