У статті йдеться про поширення зображень
сфінкса на прикрасах різних категорій — елементах скіфського костюма. Розглянуто схеми та сюжети орнаментів, а також художню своєрідність та семантику окремих образів, до яких належать сфінкс з подвійним і симетрично розгорнутим
тулубом. Висловлені припущення про походження мотиву, його символіку, а також — центри
виробництва ювелірних витворів із зображенням сфінкса.
By V—IV century BC the images which iconography
and context originate from Greek-Scythian art
are becoming popular among people of Scythia. One of
the most popular motive was sphinx. It was depicted
on jewelry: earrings, neck rings, bracelets, appliquй-
plates. The image of the mythical creature was among
symbols of gods, life-giving forces of nature as well as signs of protection against dark forces. Some stories on
the artifacts from Scythian kurgans are unique, presumably free interpretations of images from the creations
of Greek masters. Often the image of sphinx was included to the heraldic compositions on golden plates
which decorated headdresses. Most of the appliquйs with relief patterns were forged in Greek workshops of
Northern coast of Black Sea. However some artifacts tell about the existence of jewelry craft in Scythia itself.
The images of sphinx with double and symmetrically opened torso raise extreme interest. This is the feature
of decorative art of Northern coast of Black Sea. The majority of the artifacts which represent different variations
of the image are found on the Scythian territory. It is possible that the idea of the image should be linked
to the semantics of the sphinx — its dualistic nature. The iconography has the reflections of traditions which
are usual for Scythian art: the stylization, representations of species specific of creatures, so-called transformations
(one detail becomes set-up for another). The decorative elements with the image of sphinx with double
and symmetrically opened torso were also symbols of fertility in Scythian costume.
