CEREMONIAL AKINAKES FROM FILIPPOVKA BETWEEN THE CONTEXT, CHRONOLOGY, AND ICONOGRAPHY

Abstract

This article presents the iconographic analysis and contextualization of a unique object in the archaeology of the Eurasian steppes: a particular kind of sword, also known as an akinakes, identified during regular excavations in the Filippovka-1 cemetery. The ritual sword was found in Barrow 4, Burial 2, and features an elaborate iconographic scheme made of gold which is used for the decoration of both sides of the blade and the handle of the object. The paper provides categorization and precise analysis of the scenes and figures represented on the blade which, although apparently difficult to interpret, are in fact characterized by a series of repetitive patterns alternating with single scenes of a more “ritual” character. In addition, a new analysis of the sword’s chronology and its general contextualization are proposed.

Keywords

• filippovka, archaeology of the steppes, akinakes, ritual sword, animal style