Ulaanbaatar
Collection of the National Museum of Mongolia: The Golden Crown of Bilge Khaan
Art & Culture
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. In our series of highlight artifacts being kept at the National Museum of Mongolia, we are presenting the golden crown of Bilge Khaan which traces back to the VI-VIII century. It was registered in the list of invaluable cultural heritage per the Government Resolution No.124 in 2003.
Size: 9.3 cm in height, 23 cm in length, weight: 80 grams
The sacrificial site that was established following the passing of Bilge Khaan of the Turkic Khaganate in the year of 734 is located in modern-day Khashaat soum, Arkhangai aimag. During the excavation conducted by the joint Mongolian-Turkish archeological research team in 2001, various gold and silver items were discovered, one of which being this particular crown.
Made with gold, the crown is in the shape of a semicircle and has 5 sections. In the center, a certain winged creature is depicted spreading its wings, holding a precious stone with its beak. The bird-like creature’s main body, feathers, and wings are clearly engraved on the crown. On its two sides, the section continues with depictions of floral patterns in the shape of a leaf. Gaps can be found on the band and the main body of the crown’s band where precious stones were embedded.
