Pages: 255-266 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.55086/sp233255266
One of the most widespread types of weaponry of the Scythian-Saka period in Eurasia are daggers with a pommel in the form of opposing griffin heads. D. Topal recently combined this type of weapons into a special group of “Issyk-type akinakes” (2021), which includes a specimen found near MountTemirshi in Central Kazakhstan. The date of the dagger is the second half of the 6th — the first half of the 5th centuries BC.
Special studies showed that the dagger from Temirshi was made from a piece of iron by forging when heated to a temperature of 700—750 °C. The final short-term annealing took place at a temperature not exceeding 900 °C. Such operations as cutting and bending the neck of griffins, preparing the shape of the hilt and guard, were carried out after the metal had cooled. When making relief details on the hilt, guard and head of the griffin, the ancient master used a variety of cutting and grinding tools. Master’s skill at iron-working, as well as some features of his tools show a high level of blacksmithing among the population of the Tasmola culture of Central Kazakhstan.
Keywords: Central Kazakhstan, Tasmola culture, Saka era, griffon daggers, Issyk-type akinakes, metallographic analysis, traceology
Information about authors:
Arman Beisenov (Almaty. Kazakhstan). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Begazy-Tasmola Research Center for the History and Archeology. Zhambul St., 175, of. 61, Almaty, 050008, Kazakhstan
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0003-2524-264X
Alexander Panichkin (Almaty, Kazakhstan). Candidate of Technical Sciences. Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation JSC, Satbayev University. Shevchenko St., 29, Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0002-2403-8949
Igor Goraschuk (Samara, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. JSC VolgoNIIgiprozem. Stavropolskaya St., 45, Samara, 443063, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0003-0881-4503
Darkhan Shashenov (Karaganda, Kazakhstan). PhD doctoral student. Karaganda State University named after E. A. Buketov. Universitetskaya St., 28, Karaganda, 100024, Kazakhstan
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0002-4791-4673