A Hittite Dagger with Crescent-Shaped Pommel in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey: Bartın Amasra Museum Example

Abstract This article discusses a metal dagger with a crescent-shaped pommel in the Bartın Amasra Museum. The dagger, unearthed during illicit excavations, was recorded in the Amasra Museum inventory in 2007. Therefore, it is not sure when and where the artefact was found. This pommelled dagger from the Hittite period is crucial because it is one of the few examples well preserved to the present day. A single metal example with a crescent-shaped pommel, contemporary with the Amasra example, was found in the Alalakh (Tell Atchana) settlement. This study will define and date the dagger exhibited in the Amasra Museum. It also explains the place and importance of this unique dagger. Such a pommelled dagger resembles the typical Hittite sword/dagger, seen on the belts around the waists of god and king depictions on Hittite reliefs, steles, seals, seal impressions and metal artefacts in Hittite archaeology. However, there is limited data on Hittites in the western Black Sea region. Hittite written texts mention some people living in the north. Therefore, such an important artefact in the region suggests that Hittite and regional relations should be reconsidered.