Sabres from Random Amur Sites in the Context of the Ammunition Complex of 17th Century Amur Area Tribes: An Attempt at Attribution

Abstract

The ammunition complex and arts of war of tribes that had inhabited the Russian Far East still have not been examined thoroughly. To contribute to the study of the issue, the author analyzes sabres found in the Amur area and assumed to belong to the 17th century. The sabres were discovered when 17th century burials were looted or demolished. The author examines photographs of the sabres and makes a comparative ethnographic and archaeological study of the parallels existing in the area. He argues that the sabres had been made either by the Ainu or by local craftsmen who copied them from Ainu’s cold steel. Unfortunately, since the archaeological context surrounding the sabres cannot be recovered, it is not possible to determine the ethnic identity of their last owners but in a very circumstantial way.