Polearms 87
1.1.2.3 The Length of the Reed-shaped Blade and the Socket are Equal
(P.I.B/3)
This type is the most prevalent spearhead of the Avar Age, primarily during
the Early Avar period. Altogether 99 examples are known (map 8, figs 25–27),
most of them from the Early phase (81 pieces, 81.81%), only three examples
are dated to the Middle phase (3.03%) and 15 to the Late phase (15.15%).
This chronological distribution suggests the predominance of Early Avar
spearheads of this type, although with a smaller number of spearheads of the
same blade form and proportions still in use in later phases. Variants can be
distinguished based on the socket: a. cleft socket (fig. 27/3), b. clasped socket
(fig. 25), c. edges bent next to each other (figs. 26/4), d. socket wings abutting
(fig. 27/2), e. closed socket (fig. 26/1–3, 5–6), f. socket closed by a ring pulled
over (fig. 27/1).
Reed-shaped spearheads with cleft socket (P.I.B/3.a) are only known from
nine examples, all of which are dated to the Early Avar period.67 This variant
is characterised by a 2–3 mm wide space between the socket-wings. Almost all
examples are dated to the Early phase,68 except for the spearhead from grave
No. 16 at Pókaszepetk.69 This variant is mostly distributed in Transdanubia,70
rectangular copper alloy mounts from grave No. 63 of Komárno 8. Shipyard (Trugly 1987,
262–263). XII–XIII)
67 Andocs–Újhalastó grave No. 17 (Garam 1973, 134. 6. ábra 40); Biharkeresztes–Lencséshát
(Mesterházy 1987, 222, 6. kép/1–2); Budakalász–Dunapart grave No. 1338; betweeen
Csolnok and Dág (Kovrig 1955b, 168, Pl. IV/3–5; MNM 12/1951); Előszállás–Bajcsihegy grave
No. 115 (IKM 52.186.1); Pókaszepetk–Mesterföldek, Avar utca grave No. 16 (Sós – Salamon
1995, 64–65, 67, 137, fig. 21, Pl. I/50, LXXXI/3); Szegvár–Oromdűlő grave No. 86; Szegvár–
Oromdűlő grave No. 837; Szekszárd–Bogyiszlói út grave No. 698 (Rosner 1999, 87–88.
Taf. 46/3)—Early.
68 These spears are dated to the Early phase by strap-ends stamped of a silver foil and cop-
per alloy pin (GARAM 1973, 134. 6. ábra), ring-pommel sword and sling-looped stirrup from
Biharkeresztes (Mesterházy 1987, 222, 6. kép), grey, wheel-turned, pear-shaped pottery
vessel from grave No. 1338 of Budakalász (type II.A/d1: Vida 1999a, 28) dated to the end of
the 6th and first half of the 7th century (Vida 1999a, 107) and the bent copper alloy pin and
lead tubes of grave No. 16 of Pókaszepetk (Sós – Salamon 1995, 64–65, 67, 137, fig. 21).
69 Sós–Salamon 1995, 64–65, 67, 137, fig. 21, Pl. I/50, LXXXI/3.
70 Andocs–Újhalastó grave No. 17 (Garam 1973, 134. 6. ábra 40); Budakalász grave No. 1338;
betweeen Csolnok and Dág (Kovrig 1955b, 168, Pl. IV/3–5; MNM 12/1951); Előszállás–
Bajcsihegy grave No. 115 (IKM 52.186.1); Pókaszepetk grave No. 16. Sós – Salamon 1995,
64–65, 67, 137, fig. 21, Pl. I/50, LXXXI/3); Szekszárd–Bogyiszlói út grave No. 698 (Rosner
1999, 87–88. Taf. 46/3).