Hephthalite(?) horse-archers in Gandharan illustrations

[Druzhina]

Three Gandharan cosmetic lids with hunting scenes of horse-archers, Hephthalite(?), 4th-6th centuries AD

One is from the Kronos collection, one from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and one from a private collection.
A large plume hanging under the horse is common to all three.

The composition of that from the Kronos collection may have been influenced by plates with figures from Persia and Central Asia (and bowls, cups, cameos, plaques, paintings and textiles with similar iconography).
The plumed helmet of the 3rd horseman is typical of the Alchon Huns.

Druzhina
Ancient Illustrations of Costume & Soldiers

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Beautiful finds D!