The Scythians had a very versatile range of materials to work with, including wood, animal bone, metals such as bronze and iron, and leather. We have examples from tombs of many very well preserved examples of articles of clothing which were beautifully edged with embroideries and we know that the rich inhabitants of the Sothern steppes and of Russia had clothing which was covered with a multitude of small plates embossed or with gold. Tomb finds included wallhangings which featured religious art involving the Great Mother Cybele or beasts with mythological appearances, as well as intricate felt rugs and a large number of finely made tools as well as domestic and kitchen utensils.

Generally, animals feature greatly in the art of the period, and it is interesting to note that that many of the pictures include animals fighting either with others, or with human beings; perhaps to be expected for a race that was perpetually in conflict. These animals were not necessarily real ones but many were amorphus beasts with their roots buried deep in mythology but they have been adopted by the Scythians as their own and the designs tailored accordingly.

Bearing in mind the lifestyle of the Scythians who were nomadic and therefore constantly on the move, it is hardly surprising that the majority of their artistic treasures were very small and easily portable, but this is not to say that they were shoddy in any way; many very precious materials were used and the art work displayed on the majority is of an extremely high standard. These were certainly not the products of a primitive age, and the artists must have had a very considerable knowledge of animal physiology since they were able to show the mythological beasts in every conceivable situation in not only a beautiful manner but also a credible one, too.