Garment Ornament, 6th–5th century B.C.
From Kazakhstan
Bronze; H. 3 in. (7.6 cm)
Belt Buckle, 1st century B.C.–1st century A.D.
From Central Asia
Gold, inlaid with amber, carnelian, and turquoise; H. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)
Belt Plaque, 4th century B.C.
From northwestern China
Tinned bronze; H. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
Belt Plaque with Confronted Bovines, 2nd–1st century B.C.
From southern Siberia
Bronze; H. 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm)

With a total of 166 items, the Eugene V. Thaw Collection of Nomadic Art constitutes one of the largest assemblages of its kind in the West. Impressively diverse, these objects range from weapons and helmets to horse trappings, chariot fittings, garment hooks, personal ornaments, and musical-instrument accessories. While most are made of bronze or gilded bronze, about a dozen pieces are of gold or silver, inlaid with semiprecious stones.

Characterized by bold design and skilled workmanship, these works represent the dynamic art created by the horsemen who roamed the Eurasian steppes. The bulk of the collection consists of artifacts from the northern borders of China. They add significantly to the Museum's existing holdings of related materials and will form the core of a future collection that will be expanded to include nomadic art from across the entire region of the Eurasian steppes.