Eurasian Scythian Twisted Horse Bit. 8th century B.C. A bronze horse bit with round interlocking central rings, the bars spiralled and ending with stirrup-shaped loops. Cf. Davis-Kimbal J., Nomads of the Eurasian steppes in the Early Iron Age, Berkeley, 1995, p 40, fig.15, fig.6, p.104. 161 grams, 20.8 cm long (8 1/8 in.) UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. These forms of horse bits are found in the North Caucasus beginning from the 8th century B.C. Their appearance is explained by the wide introduction of iron and of related newer technologies which caused the change in the artefact forms. These iron bridle bits of different types - one-ringed, two-ringed, and stirrup-shaped - appeared in this period. They were found in Komarovo, Nartan, Krasnoye Znamya, and Kelermes.

Fine condition.