GERZEAN KNIVES
PREDYNASTIC PERIOD
EGYPT
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COPYRIGHT AUGUST 31, 2012 PETER A. BOSTROM

    This picture shows several different examples of Gerzean knives. They all have the same basic long curving blade edge and a straight to slightly concave back edge. They illustrate two main differences in the manufacturing process. Four of the knives were made from bifacially percussion flaked preforms. The other three knives (top row three from the right) were made from large flakes. Two of these flake Gerzean knives have parallel flaking on one side that obviously enhances their eye appeal. It's interesting to note that just the large flakes alone, without the added decorative pressure flaking would have been just as functional for cutting purposes. These types of Gerzean knives were easier to make because they skipped the time consuming process of bifacially percussion flaking a preform and grinding both sides smooth prior to applying the parallel "ripple" flaking on one side. These must have been the cheaper "poor man's" Gerzean knives.
   The other four Gerzean knives in this picture represent the best of the "classic" ripple flaked Gerzean knives. They were all made from bifacially percussion flaked preforms that were ground smooth prior to applying the decorative parallel "ripple" style pressure flakes on one side. Two of these knives also have gold foil wrapped handles. These are the types of knives that would have been owned by wealthy high status individuals.

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