κλαδευτήρι και κοσόρα (Greek Billhooks)
The billhooks of Greece are as varied as those of other countries, but many show that their origins date from pre-Christian era vine pruning hooks. Modern Greece is a relatively small country, made up from several provinces and hundreds of islands, but the Ancient Greece Empire covered most of the Eastern Mediterranean, including much of modern Turkey, Bulgaria and Balkan countries.
One of the earliest authenticated images comes from a 14th century thesis on agriculture. The blade has a curved pruning hook, and a second axe like chopping blade.
Another image also comes from another 14th century thesis on agriculture. The drawing is cruder, but depicts a tool with an ornate turned handle.
Another source of images is the religious iconography of the Greek and Eastern Orthodox Churches. St Tryphon (also spelled Triphon; Τρύφων (GR); (Трифон (BG)), born c 225 AD in Phrygia (now part of central Turkey) is the patron saint of wine and winegrowers. He is often depicted with a vine pruning hook in his hand. His Saint's day is generally 1st February: the date vine pruning commences in the warmer climate of the Eastern Mediterranean. His image can be found in churches from Croatia in the north to Greece in the south.
Below some more pruning hooks from other images of St Tryphon.
The shape of the billhook was often copied from one image to another or images may have been repainted, so sometimes the representations may not be accurate, but the variations in blade shape appear to reflect regional differences in form. Similar shapes may also be found in the Balkan countries to the north of Greece, e.g. Romania.