The indigenous inhabitants of Siberia, taiga and tundra dwellers, sometimes adopted household items brought by representatives of other cultures. But they did it selectively, accepting some and not the others. Iron axes were an exception: their value was recognized very quickly. From the 16th–17th centuries, this tool became a revered element among the Khanty.
According to the historian, archaeologist and writer Yakov Alexandrovich Yakovlev, even in the 19th century, for a native Siberian the ax remained a rare and expensive commodity, “most of these imported products were used in the farms of Russian newcomers, rather than the indigenous population. If we add to this the volatility of imports and even periods of prohibition by the central authorities on the import of all iron products to Siberia without exception, including axes, then the shortage of the latter will become even more obvious.”
A sekira, or a battle ax, is a type of ax, similar to a poleax. It was used for various purposes. In peacetime, sekiras were used for cutting trees for a fire or building a shelter, as well as processing stone and wood. If an ordinary ax is well suited for splitting logs and getting rid of excess material, then an ax with a long, curved blade allows one to carve out the elements of the desired shape with greater precision. As an object symbolically associated with the power of spirits, the sekira was used in various rituals, including the burial ritual.
It was also highly valued as a weapon that could cause serious damage to the enemy, and, if necessary, destroy a wall. Thanks to its heavy, sharpened metal blade mounted on a long shaft, the warrior delivered sweeping blows capable of piercing the opponent’s armor. In addition, the blade was wide enough to use it as a harpoon and knock the enemy off his horse during the battle. Often battle axes were sharpened in such a way that they became suitable for inflicting stabbing wounds; sometimes they were fitted with peculiar spikes. It is known that there were instances when special gaps were made between the blade and the spikes or between the blade and the shafts. Using his battle ax, a highly skilled warrior could capture the enemy’s blade that could get stuck in the gap.
The head of the ax was tightly driven into the eye and fixed with rivets or nails. Counterweights in the form of simple metal knobs or spikes were added as well.
Presently, the sekira has not lost its value. The blade of this tool is made of carbon steel of special strength and hardness. This material is resistant to corrosion and sharpens well. The handle of the tool is made of wood of various species, for example ash, oak or beech.
