Polearms 71
also drew attention to the facetted socket on the example from Esztergom
which was compared with the spearhead of Szentendre because of its grid-
patterned rings and connecting chap.14
The type was first defined and studied by Dezső Csallány who identified it as
the archaeological heritage of the Kutrigurs (Bulgaro-Turkic tribe from Eastern
Europe).15 Ilona Kovrig refuted Csallány’s Kutrigur theory and proposed
an Inner Asian origin of these artefacts based on their good quality,16 while
István Bóna explained the good preservation of these spearheads with their
secondarily burning on a pyre.17 Ursula Koch interpreted similar weapons in
South Germany and Italy as Avar imports,18 while Uta von Freeden supposed a
Byzantine origin of these spearheads.19 These issues on the origin of this type
will be discussed in detail in chapter VI.
The number of reed-shaped spearheads with connecting chap is relatively
low: only 21 pieces are known from the Early Avar phase. The length of this type
is between 18 and 25 cm in the Carpathian Basin, the blade is narrow (2–3 cm),
of rhombic cross section and the edges are curved. There is a sharp shoulder
between the blade and the neck where a hexagonal or octagonal connecting
chap appears, usually in the form of a step. The length of the blade and socket
is usually equal although in some cases the blade can be longer (figs. 14–21).20
The socket is open and is bounded by a clasp (fig. 8/b),21 although the western
analogies of this type usually have a closed socket.
The distribution of Avar pieces follows the line of the Danube river and
is primarily characteristic of Eastern Transdanubia (map 5). The chronology
of this type is usually determined by their supposed Inner Asian origin and
14 Hampel emphasised that the spear from Szentendre had ribbed rings on its socket instead
of grid-patterned (cross-hatched according to his phrasing). (Hampel 1905. I. 179–182).
15 The starting point of the pyre-theory of Csallány was the Bácsújfalu find, where he sup-
posedly observed signs of melting (Csallány 1953, 133–137). The archaeological context of
the find is not clear, because it was found by construction workers, whose observations
were refuted by Péter Tomka (2008, 230), although he still considers it an offering.
16 Ilona Kovrig (1955a, 30–37, 40–41) listed 8 reed-shaped spears with connecting chap and
grid-patterned rings.
17 Bóna 1971a, 240 (24); Bóna 1980, 47–48. Metallographical examination of this type
excludes the possibility of secondary burning (Piaskowski 1974, 122–124).
18 Koch 1968, 89–91
19 von Freeden 1991, 614–627.
20 Esztergom–Nagyhegy (Hampel 1900, 113; Hampel 1905, II. 346; Kovrig 1955a, 36. X. tábla 6),
Budakalász–Dunapart grave No. 291.
21 The spearhead from grave No. 396 at Csákberény-Orondpuszta is an exception with its
closed socket.