A SWORD OR A SPEAR? (about one exhibit of the State Museum of Turkmenistan)
Abstract
Among the numerous archaeological finds from the Eneolithic settlement of Kara-Depe in Southern Turkmenistan, there is one unusual copper product discovered in 1952 by Professor B.A. Kuftin. Traditionally it was considered an ancient sword with a spiral handle. However, the morphological analysis of the product and its reconstruction, undertaken by the author, show that originally it was a different type of weapon – a heavy spear for conducting foot and remote combat. The article describes in detail this Museum item, including the dimensions, features and chemical composition of the alloy from which it was made. Analogies of synchronous products from neighboring and remote territories are given, and the actual purpose of this weapon is proved. Other data on the research of the Anau archaeological culture of Southern Turkmenistan and its connection with the civilization of Ancient Sumer are also provided. Special attention is paid to the technology of ancient Metalworking and some results of its study.
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