Scythian pottery was created without the use of a potter’s wheel and was very easy to make. Researchers are particularly interested in the distribution of Scythian lamps as household items and elements of interior décor. All molded lamps were undoubtedly made by Scythian craftsmen. They imitated the Greek ceramic and bronze lamps with horns. The shape of molded lamps and their widespread presence in Scythian graves are evidence of Greek influence on the funerary rites and material culture of the Scythians in the Crimea.

This influence could have been so noticeable only if the Scythians had adopted a settled lifestyle and therefore had regular contact with the Greek population. Regardless of the type of dwelling, there were likely special places for lighting fixtures. These were usually niches in the walls, where the Scythians would fix lamps, wedged between small, basin-like rectangles with tiny legs at the corners for better stability. Alternatively, lamps could be placed on the floor or hung from hooks or nails.

During the excavations at the ancient Greek settlement of Belyaus, archaeologists discovered a Scythian boot-shaped lamp. This type of lamp has a single horn and a rounded, oval, or nearly rectangular body. It lacks a dedicated bottom or tray, and the horn continues from the bottom plane of the lamp. When looked at from the side, the lamp resembles a small boot, which is how it got its name. The lamp is made from light-gray clay and has two holes for pouring in oil and keeping the fire burning. A vertical, loop-shaped handle used to be attached to the back of the lamp, but it has been lost. The rim at the top of the lamp is also missing. This lamp was clearly produced by the Scythians who had begun to adopt a more settled lifestyle by this time.