The exhibited dagger was discovered during investigations at the burial site near the village of Ananyino, the Yelabuga District, in 1880-1881. Scientists identified that it belongs to the Ananyino archeological culture.

The Ananyino tribes used both bronze and iron tools. Most of the tools were decorated either with zoomorphic ornaments made of either images of dragons and various animal heads, or of geometric patterns of zigzags, circles and spirals.

Among the burial artefacts, archeologists also found various items of arms: Scythian-type socketed arrowheads and spearheads, battleaxes and hatchets, swords and daggers.

The exhibited dagger was made of bronze by way of one-piece casting and has two blades. Scientists believe that it was part of hunting arms and was worn in a belt leather case.

The artefact was discovered by archeologist Pyotr Ponomaryov. He was a founding member of the Society of Archeology, History and Ethnography at the Imperial University of Kazan and took an active part in its research work. Ponomaryov was engaged in archeological excavations for over 40 years and was reckoned to be knowledgeable of antiquities of the Volga and Kama region. His investigations of Ananyino and Malasheyevo burial sites were a substantial contribution to the development of historical studies.

In addition to weapons, archeologists found in Ananyino burial a drawing of a warrior, preserved on a tombstone. The warrior is pictured wearing a short coat, breeches and a high-top hat. At his belt, the warrior had a short sword, a dagger and a spike hammer: a weapon with a nose in the form of a sharp beak.