A Study of Two Arrowheads from the Excavations at Kef Fortress

Bibliographic Data

ID21676782
Authorsİsmail Coşkun (0000-0001-9265-4949, Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi), Yenal Sürün (0000-0002-6846-5467, Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi)
Year2026
Issue38
Pages133-145
Publication date2026-06-30
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueTürkiye Bilimler Akademisi Arkeoloji Dergisi (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1301-8566 • E-ISSN: 2667-5005
PublisherParantez Teknologji Ltd (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.22520/tubaar.1828072
OpenAlexW7166712354
LanguageEN
References cited14

This study aims to introduce to the academic literature two unique arrowheads, previously unknown in Urartian archaeology, which were discovered in the “Great Hall” area during the 2024 excavation season at Kef Fortress (Adilcevaz, Bitlis), a significant fortress of the Urartian Kingdom. One of the artefacts is made of flint, while the other is crafted from iron. The flint arrowhead is of great importance as it represents the first recorded instance of an arrowhead made from this material in the Urartian weapon repertoire. Measuring 2,5 cm in length and weighing 2 grams, this arrowhead is evaluated as potentially being used for long-distance hunting, given its lightweight structure and unique wing form. The second arrowhead, made of iron, distinguishes itself from the known “leaf/willow-leaf” form of Urartian ironworking. It is notable for its width of up to 3 cm, its triangular form, and its flat body structure lacking a pronounced midrib. This form represents a type hitherto unencountered in other Urartian centres across Anatolia. The article examines these two exceptional finds in detail using typological, material-based, and comparative methodologies, and opens a discussion on their place in Urartian archaeology and weapon typology. Both arrowheads allow us to pose new questions regarding the diversity in weapon design by Urartian craftspeople and potential inter-regional interactions

Assemblage (archaeology) · Diversity (politics) · Excavation · Fortress (chess) · Ancient Near East History · Eurasian Exchange Networks · History and Cultural Heritage

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