The sickle is one of the oldest agricultural tools in human history. It emerged and evolved with the agricultural activities of the first settled societies. Although it seems to have lost its place today against advanced combine harvesters and mechanized equipment, it continues to exist, especially as a cultural symbol and in traditional farming areas.

History

The sickle is one of the earliest agricultural tools to emerge with the Neolithic Revolution. Findings dating back to 9000 BC indicate that humanity developed various cutting tools for harvesting grain. Flint and obsidian-tipped sickles have been found in Neolithic settlement areas in Anatolia, such as Çatalhöyük and Hacılar Höyük. In most of these sickles, cutting stone pieces were arranged into animal bone or wooden handles.

A bone sickle unearthed during excavations at Ekşi Höyük in the Çal district of Denizli, determined to be approximately 8,750 years old, demonstrates the historical continuity of sickle use. With the development of metallurgy during the Bronze Age, agricultural tools also underwent a transformation, and sickles began to be produced from bronze and later iron materials.

During the Roman and Byzantine periods, iron sickles produced in various lengths and curvatures were widely used in vast agricultural areas. Throughout the Middle Ages in Europe, the harvest season became synonymous with the sickle and scythe, becoming part of social rituals. During the Ottoman Period, the sickle was also one of the most commonly used hand tools in peasant production.

Diversity

Sickles are categorized into different types based on their construction material, cutting surface shape, and intended use.

Sickle Types by Material

Stone and bone sickles were used in the Neolithic period, with their cutting edges made from flint, obsidian, or animal bone. In the Bronze Age, more durable and lighter bronze sickles became widespread, followed by iron sickles in the Iron Age. Today, sickles are mostly made from stainless steel, and their handles are designed to be ergonomic.

Sickle Types by Structure and Use

Curved-bladed sickles are used for traditional grain harvesting, while serrated sickles are suitable for cutting tough-stemmed grasses. Foldable models are preferred in areas where portability is important, such as camping and forestry. Long-handled models support the user's back and spine health by allowing them to cut grass without bending.

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Areas of Use

The sickle has been used across a wide range of applications throughout history.

• Traditional Grain Harvesting: The sickle has been the primary tool for hand-harvesting grains such as wheat, barley, oats, and rye. The harvested crop would be gathered by hand, bundled, and left to dry. Its low cost and practical use ensured that sickles were preferred for centuries.
• Cutting Grass and Forage Plants: In sloped or small areas inaccessible to modern machinery, especially in mountainous regions, the sickle still holds an important place. It is frequently used for tasks such as cutting grass for animal feed.
• Pruning and Light Cutting Tasks: In gardening and orchard work, the sickle can be used for pruning thin branches or delicate-stemmed plants. In this use, it provides an alternative to hand shears.
• Collecting Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: For harvesting aromatic and medicinal plants like sage, thyme, and lavender, the sickle is preferred both for not damaging the stems and for its sharpness. For such products, quality harvesting directly affects the market value of the product.