Asset Overview
Xiongnu Button Plaque
1st Century C.E.
Kurgan 22
Composition: gold 97.0%, silver 2.2%, copper 0.8%.
D: 1.3 cm, Depth 0.5 mm.
Gold plaques were found inside the coffin, at the headboard. They have 4 holes along the edges for fastening and the perimeter is framed with a thin soldered wire. In the same way, the ornament in the form of clouds is also present within.
These sort of button plaques could be used in a variety of ways, just as they are today among the Turkic people. For instance, they could adorn clothing, boots, and headdresses.
See: Ноин-улинская коллекция. Результаты работы российско-монгольской экспедиции, 2006–2012 гг.