Ancient Military Kitchen
Explore the intriguing world of ancient kitchen tools used by the Mongol military.
Neolithic stone head
The Neolithic period marked a significant advancement in crafting weapons and tools. The use of knives, awls, chisels, scrapers, and arrowheads continued, but people started creating them in various shapes and types.
Stone-heads were the most common type of weapon, and they were crafted with exceptional quality using materials like jade, chalcedony, and different flint types, ensuring their durability and hardness. The prevalent types of stone heads included small pointed micro-scales, flat-base arrowheads, and hemispherical bladed stone heads, crafted with high precision to guarantee sharpness and longevity. It was discovered in 1982 by a joint Mongolian-Soviet expedition in the valley of the Sagsai River.
Bronze knifeMongolian Military Museum
Bronze knife
Bronze knives were the ultimate multi-purpose tools during the Bronze Age. They were used in farming, warfare, and even served as decorative pieces.
Bronze knifeMongolian Military Museum
Mongolia's national and provincial museums house over 130 bronze knives that were crafted during this period, which is a testament to their importance and significance.
Bronze Age knives are classified based on their unique features, and they offer a glimpse into the ingenuity and creativity of the people who made them. Thus they are grouped into:
1. Knives with humped shoulders and flat ends,
2. Knives that are hump-shouldered and pointed,
3. Knives with straight shoulders and are considered to be pointed.
Bronze knifeMongolian Military Museum
The handles of Bronze Age knives were often adorned with intricate designs, including animal decorations, turbans, triangular and square patterns.
Bronze knifeMongolian Military Museum
These bronze knives were typically discovered in square tombs, which adds to their historical and archaeological value.
Campaign pot (1st Century BC-1st Century AD)Mongolian Military Museum
Campaign Pot
This bronze pot is an ancient artifact that dates back to the Hunnu period between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. It has a flat base, a large opening, and a prominent body.
The pot is adorned with straight patterns on the shoulders and has half-ring handles on the rim. The linear pattern hangs on all four sides of the pot. This type of pot, known as a "ganzaga" was used by soldiers as a "campaign pot" and was transported on their saddles.
Saddlebag (17th-18th Century)Mongolian Military Museum
Saddlebag
The saddlebag is a noteworthy artifact comprising three pieces of cowhide leather and fine wooden clips.
Saddlebag (17th-18th Century)Mongolian Military Museum
Mongolian soldiers initially utilized it to transport a substantial supply of dry meat called 'borts' for 7-14 days during their campaigns.
Saddlebag (17th-18th Century)Mongolian Military Museum
Later on, it was owned and used by Gombodorj, a Bayangol soum resident of Selenge province.
Leather costrel (18th-19th Century)Mongolian Military Museum
Leather costrel
During military campaigns, Mongolian soldiers would transport their potable water in a type of leather container known as a costrel.
Leather costrel (18th-19th Century)Mongolian Military Museum
These costrels were characteristically simplistic in design, featuring a wooden stopper and leather strap.
Additionally, they were adorned with decorative patterns and crafted from a combination of cowhide leather and wood.
Pot (XVII-XVIII centuries)Mongolian Military Museum
Pot
It is rumored to have been created through the casting method and features eight auspicious symbols. It was reportedly used for generations by Khalkha prince Chingunjav.
Hearth (XVII-XVIII centuries)Mongolian Military Museum
Hearth
A black iron hearth made using the Mongolian blacksmith method is supported by four sturdy legs and secured by four belts, ensuring both stability and aesthetic appeal.
