112 CHAPTER 2
Lenticular spearheads were first studied in the cemetery of Környe, where it
was compared to Lombard spearheads.150 The first classification was made by
Ágnes Cs. Sós and Ágnes Salamon during the publication of Pókaszepetk cem-
etery from Transdanubia. They classified these lenticular spearheads into two
groups: Group II. leaf-shaped spearheads and Group III. narrow leaf-shaped
spearheads. They separated the types based on the size (A1 and A2) and the
proportions of the blade and socket (B1 and B2).151 This system was the first
step towards creating combination types.
In what follows, lenticular spearheads are classified into various types:
P.III.A (broad lenticular spearheads), P.III.B (narrow lenticular spearheads),
P.III.C (narrow lenticular spearheads with rhombic cross section, P.III.D (len-
ticular spearheads with central rib), P.III.E (openwork spearheads) (fig. 6).
Broad lenticular spearheads (P.III.A) are characterised by their oval shape
and a blade width of more than 3 cm. This type was the most popular form
among lenticular spearheads during the Avar Age, but mostly during the Early
phase. Sub-types can be distinguished by the proportions of the blade and the
socket.
1.3.1 Broad Lenticular Spearheads with Blades which are Longer than
their Socket (P.III.A/1.e)
The greatest width of the blade is in the toward its middle, with the cross
section being either rhombic or lenticular. The length of these spearheads is
between 25 and 40 cm. The socket is usually narrow, its diameter not reaching
3 cm, its length being around 10 cm. In most cases the socket is closed, and on
some examples traces of hammering can be observed (map 15, figs. 37–43).
Most of the spearheads belonging to this type are dated to the Early phase
(67 pieces), but examples are also known from the Middle (three examples)152
150 Salamon – Erdélyi 1971, 56.
151 Group II is divided into two sub-groups based on size: great size (1: length of 32–44 cm)
and middle size (length of 28–31 cm). Common characteristics of this group are that the
socket is very short compared to the blade, and the diameter of the socket is between
2.5–3 cm. Group III contains lenticular spearheads of a maximum of 30 cm in length.
The blade is longer than the socket, and they were usually found in pairs, and in some
cases even three examples from one grave. Group IV only contains one spearhead. (Sós –
Salamon 1995, 67–69) This classification was a significant step toward combination types,
although it is not consistent.
152 Aiudul de Sus (Horedt 1958, 93. fig. 17/2; Cosma et al. 2013, 60, fig. 31); Bratislava–Devinska
Nová Ves–A–Tehel’ňa grave No. 559 (Eisner 1952, 126); Zalakomár–Lesvári-dűlő grave
No. 545B (Szőke 2002, 77. 8/a).