34 CHAPTER 1
cross section is concave, while the cross section of single-edged blades is usu-
ally triangular or pentagonal. The false edge is a second edge on a single-edged
sword toward the point and the lower third of the blade. Double-edged blades
are usually symmetrical, while single-edged ones are asymmetrical.
The blade of the sword was protected by a scabbard usually made of wood
covered with leather which was occasionally decorated with gold or silver
sheets on three parts of it: the locket (below the crossguard), the chape (at the
end of the scabbard) and at the suspension loops.
The scabbard was fixed to the belt by suspension loops connected to sus-
pension straps, which is usually fixed by small buckles to the belt. The loops
themselves are usually made of wood, but their surface and rim was often
decorated with metal sheets.
3.1.3 Classification
Following the system of Manfred K.H. Eggert, any classification or typology
must be clearly described and delineated: first is the process of classifying the
artefacts by using certain attributes for creating types, while the second will
demonstrate the direction of changes and the development between distinct
types.173 This definition of classification and typology also represents the order
of their discussion, since first various groups, types, sub-types and variants
must be distinguished, and their relations discussed only afterwards.
The classification of artefacts is necessarily a subjective process: it is per-
formed by following specific rules, but it is based on attributes chosen by the
researcher. The classification is a hierarchical structure examining several for-
mal attributes that have been ranked as features from general to specific,174 as
a result of which combination types175 can be distinguished which are based
on joint examination of several attributes. Transitional types and exceptions
were tried to be incorporated in the closest group according to their charac-
teristic attributes.
173 Eggert (2005, 122–133) based his approach on the methodological study of Rüdiger Vossen
(1970, 29–79) which is the first systematic overview of the Anglo-Saxon classification
method and its Continental reflection. On the methods of typology: Eggert 2005, 186–194;
Klejn 1983, 1; Adams 2007.
174 Eggert 2005, 128–133.
175 This term means a type created by classifying several attributes. The best example for
using this term is the work by Alfred Geibig (1991) on double-edged medieval swords,
where he considered swords as a unit composed of blade, hilt, crossguard and scabbard,
and created types using a combination of these attributes, with the pommel as a main
attribute.