Princess of the Altai, steppe deer necklace in silver

Name: Princess of the Altai, steppe deer necklace in silver
Brand: EmmanuelleGuyon Jewelry
Price: 108.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

This necklace, named "Princess of the Altai," is inspired by the tattoo adorning a mummy dating back to the 5th century, discovered in 1993 in the Altai Mountains in Russia. Over time, the Princess of the Altai has been given several names: "Siberian Ice Maiden," "Ukok Princess," "Devochka" (meaning "Girl" in Russian), and "Ochy-bala," the legendary heroine of the Altaic epic.

This noble figure belonged to one of the nomadic tribes of the vast Eurasian steppes, the Pazyryk, whose history spans mainly from the 6th to the 2nd century BCE. The Pazyryk are renowned for their craftsmanship, elaborate funeral rituals, and intricate tattoos, reflecting a rich visual and symbolic culture. Archaeological discoveries, such as the tomb of the Princess of the Altai, have provided valuable insights into their way of life, beliefs, and artistic practices.

She was discovered in a kurgan, a burial mound of the Pazyryk culture. The underground, frozen burial chamber perfectly preserved the mummy of the princess. She lay in a wooden coffin decorated with leather appliqués depicting deer. She was surrounded by six horses sacrificed to accompany her in the afterlife. Among the objects found were her clothes, a high wig, a makeup bag, as well as various artifacts made of wood, bronze, gold, and coriander seeds.

Analyses of the body revealed how highly she was esteemed, as she was buried at least three months after her death. During this period, she seems to have been carried around, seated, and displayed to continue participating in the community’s life even after her death. The embalming care she received was of high quality, reserved for individuals of particular status, indicating her elevated rank within Pazyryk society.

However, some archaeologists dispute the identification of this figure as a princess. They argue that she might have been a middle-class person in Pazyryk society, as the tomb and accompanying treasures are not exceptional or particularly rich compared to other high dignitary burials.

The isolation of her tomb might indicate that she had a role linked to a vow of celibacy, such as a priestess, healer, or shaman. Analyses reveal that she periodically inhaled copper and mercury fumes, likely related to certain spiritual or medicinal rites. These substances were often used in ritual practices for their purifying and medicinal properties, suggesting that this woman played an important role in her community’s shamanic or religious practices.

This perspective is reinforced by the fact that the Pazyryk placed great importance on shamanic figures, who served as mediators between the living world and the spirit world. Priests and shamans were often respected figures, although their social status might differ from that of political or warrior leaders. The funerary furniture found, although less opulent, could thus reflect her ritual function and spiritual importance rather than her material wealth.

One of the most remarkable elements of this discovery is the preservation of her tribal tattoos, one of which inspired this silver necklace. The most impressive is the one on her left shoulder, depicting a deer or, according to other interpretations, a mythological animal combining griffin and Capricorn traits. This tattoo is complex and challenging to determine precisely.
The deer appears to have two types of antlers: the first presents large, branching antlers typical of deer, ending in spheres reminiscent of bells or flowers. The second consists of a long, curved horn formed of semicircles extending backward. These deer motifs are common representations in the nomadic cultures of the great Asian steppes, although there is no universally accepted interpretation.
Another intriguing element is the animal’s hindquarters, which appear twisted, with the hind legs pointing upward and the tail downward. This characteristic is frequent in the Sayan-Altai style, where animals seem to float in the air.

The deer is often seen as a guide showing the way to the afterlife. Frequently depicted on coffins, its role was probably to transport the dead to the sky and protect them. In a shamanic context, the deer is seen as a link between the spirits of the sky and the earth. It acts as a mediator, facilitating communication between the spiritual and material worlds.

The archaeological excavation of the princess’s tomb and the sending of her body to the laboratory deeply affected the Altai people. For them, the princess is much more than a historical figure; she is the mythical guardian and protector of the region. Some even consider her the original mother of the Altai people, a revered ancestor whose role is central to the region’s cultural and spiritual identity. Others believe she is the guardian of the gates of hell, preventing the devil’s return and thus protecting their world from evil forces.
Due to these beliefs, the removal of her body sparked deep indignation and a strong demand for her return to her eternal resting place. The Altai inhabitants believed that removing the princess from her tomb disrupted the spiritual balance and protection she offered to the region.
In 2012, under pressure from the locals and in recognition of these cultural and spiritual sentiments, the princess’s body was returned to her original region. However, instead of being reburied in her original tomb, she was placed in a local museum. This decision was made to allow more people to see her and learn about the rich history of the Pazyryk while partially respecting the wishes of the Altai people. The museum thus serves as a compromise, functioning both as a place of historical preservation and cultural veneration.
This return, although not fully meeting the wishes for reburial in her original tomb, was a significant gesture of respect for local beliefs and traditions. It symbolizes a recognition of the importance of the links between archaeological heritage and cultural identity, emphasizing the need to consider the values and feelings of local communities in the management of archaeological discoveries.

By reproducing one of these tattoos on this silver necklace, we honor not only the memory of this remarkable woman but also perpetuate the artistic and spiritual heritage of her culture, making it accessible and understandable to our modern times.

Metal: sterling silver.

Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.5 cm.

The length of the necklace is 90 cm.

I will need 5 days to complete your order before shipping.

As we currently dwell in Mexico, provide a period of 3 to 6 weeks to receive your order for free with normal post service. Thank you for taking this information into account before ordering in our shop. At checkout, you will also have the option of choosing an express shipping. (please, read the complete conditions of shipping here).

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I hope you will love this jewel as much as I enjoyed creating it.

By Emmanuelle Guyon.

Tags : Princess of the Altai, Altai, Russia, Siberia, Siberian, Russian, nomad, steppe, tomb, burial mound, burial, mummy, healer, priestess, shaman, deer, tattoo, guide, animal, totem, Pazyryk, tribal, ethnic, mythology, griffin, capricorn, afterlife, balance, ritual, shamanic, archaeology, archaeological, guardian, myth, ancestor, spiritual

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