70 CHAPTER 2
Every alpha-numerical code can be treated as a combination of attributes,
simplifying the classification of newly found artefacts. After every code and
definition the related catalogue entries will be mentioned, as a list of artefacts,
containing its site, grave number, dating and available literature, while in the
case of unpublished artefacts the inventory numbers will be used as a refer-
ence, except for those unpublished and uninventoried artefacts. Types will be
discussed by the description of its attributes, chronological and geographical
distribution and characteristic depositional rules. Former discussions of cer-
tain types or variants will also be discussed in this chapter.
1.1 Reed-shaped Spearheads (P.I)
The general characteristic of this form-group is the narrow blade with curved
edges, a tip of obtuse angle and rhombic cross section to the blade, with the
neck of the artefact emphasised. The transition between the blade and
the neck is stepped or shouldered. This form group is generally used during the
Avar Age from its very beginning until its end, and it was probably used as a
thrusting weapon for frontal attacks. 255 spearheads of the Avar Age belong to
this group, 178 among them are dated to the Early phase, 15 to the Middle and
60 to the Late phase. 14 reed-shaped spearheads could not be further classified.13
This form-group can be subdivided into several types: P.I.A: reed-shaped
blade with connecting chap, P.I.B: simple reed-shaped blade, P.I.C: broad
reed-shaped blade with curved edges, P.I.D: reed-shaped blade with broad
shoulders, P.I.E: pentagonal blades, P.I.F: narrow reed shaped blades with
quadrangular cross section.
1.1.1 Reed-shaped Blade with Connecting Chap (P.I.A)
This type is one of the most studied artefacts of the Early Avar period (map 5,
figs. 14–18). The term ‘reed-shaped’ was previously used by József Hampel who
called this type ‘Spiess’ suggesting its function as a thrusting weapon. Hampel
13 Bočar kod Kikinde (Kovrig 1955a, 36; Kovrig 1955b, 172. Csallány 1956, 89; Dimitriević –
Kovačević – Vinski 1962, 13. Abb. 2); Devinska Nová Ves grave No. 131 (Eisner 1952, 43–44.
Obr. 20: lost during the World War II), Csákberény–Orondpuszta grave No. 141 (IKM 10632),
Csengele–Feketehalom grave No. 93 (Török 1995, 218, 227. Pl. 5/4); Domaháza (Hampel
1902, 301); Gátér–Vasútállomás grave No. 193 (Kada 1906, 193a/ 4. rajz); Mezőkovácsháza–
Agyagbánya grave No. 7 ( Juhász 1973, 106. IV. t. 1); Nagyharsány–Szarkás-dűlő (Papp
1963, 139); Nagymányok–Töpfner Á. Telke (Wosinsky 1890, 433; Hampel 1905. III. 270–271;
Kovrig 1955b, 173) Szekszárd–Bogyiszlói út grave No. 335 (Rosner 1999, 46–47. Taf. 23/3);
Tatabánya–Bánhida (Kovrig 1955a, 36; Kovrig 1955b, 171); Tolna megye (county) grave ‘A’
(Kiss – Somogyi 1984, 181. 96. tábla 6); Várpalota–Gimnázium grave No. 142 (Erdélyi –
Németh 1969, 181).