Polearms 133
fig. 51),213 and they are probably of symbolic significance, since such spear-
heads could not be used in battle. Two theories have developed to explain the
openwork technique: 1. spear with flag,214 2. ostentatious weapon.215 Only five
such openwork spearheads are known from Avar-age burials, one of them was
found in an Early period grave of Transdanubia (fig. 51/1),216 and four of them
were found in Transylvania and probably date to the Late phase (map 20, fig. 51/
2–5).217 In what follows, openwork spearheads of Transdanubia and
213 Gâmbaş, stray find (Horedt 1958, 96. fig. 9a/10–11) two examples; Gâmbaş grave No. IX
(Horedt 1958, 99. fig. 14/2. és 14/13); Kölked–Feketekapu B grave No. 82 (Kiss 2001, 28, II. 42,
Taf. 28, 9); Teiuş grave No. III (Horedt 1958, 104. fig. 17/13).
214 von Hessen 1971, 41; Bálint 2004a, 364.
215 von Hessen 1971, 41.
216 Kölked–Feketekapu B grave No. 82 (Kiss 2001, 28, II. 42, Taf. 28, 9).
217 Gâmbaş, stray find (Horedt 1958, 96. fig.9a/10–11) two examples; Gâmbaş grave No. IX
(Horedt 1958, 99. fig. 14/2. and 14/13); Teiuş grave No. III (Horedt 1958, 104. fig. 17/13).
Figure 51 Spearheads of type P.III.E (openwork spearheads) 1. Kölked–Feketekapu B, grave
No. 82 (Kiss 2001, 28, II. 42, Taf. 28, 9.); 2. Gâmbaş, stray find (Horedt 1958, 96,
fig.9a/10–11.); 3. Gâmbaş, grave No. IX (Horedt 1958, 99., fig. 14/2, fig. 14/13.); 4. Teiuş,
grave No. III (Horedt 1958, 104, Fig. 17/13.); 5. Kalaja Dalmaces (Albania) after
Szentpeteri 1984, 243.