The “Karasuk” Knives in Ukraine

Abstract

The article presents the Ukrainian finds of knives that originate in the Karasuk culture area. They are divided into two distinct types in respect to their form: the straight ones and the curved ones. Each knife is unique, having either one or two sharp blade sides, a pointed or rounded edge, and a distinct separation between the handle and the blade — or none at all. The closest analogies of these items are provided as well, coming from the Don and Volga river regions, Central Asia (mainly various regions of Kazakhstan) and China. The name “Karasuk knives” is considered artificial and is used in a generalizing manner, as such items are found across a vast territory, far beyond the traditional Karasuk area. One of the Ukrainian finds is completely unique for the Karasuk material complex, as it is not made solely of bronze, but once had an iron blade. The discussion regarding the use of the “Karasuk” knives (mainly whether they could have been used as weapons) is also addressed, as well as the obvious differences between knives and daggers in the Karasuk culture. Since this culture’s material complex includes a rich collection of daggers and swords, it is unlikely that the usage of knives as weapons was widespread among those people. Further evidence for this may be the complete absence of knife depictions on stone stelae, contrasting with other kinds of nomadic weaponry. According to the available dating, several types and variants of the knives continued to coexist for a long period of time. The differences in forms may be an indication that the knives had different purposes for those using them. The presence of such items in Ukraine is further evidence of contact between Eurasian nomads and the North Pontic region at the end of the Bronze Age and the beginning of the Early Iron Age.