Avar-Age Polearms and Edged Weapons. Classification, Typology, Chronology and Technology

Introduction 39

Finally, based on the manufacture of the socket six variants were identified:

a) cleft socket, b) socket wings bounded by a clasp, c) socket wings abutting,

d) socket wings bent on each other, e) closed socket, and f ) a ring pulled over

the socket (fig. 8).

These attributes are combined in alphanumerical codes composing types.

The first letter of the code shows the category of the weapon (P for polearm),

the second Latin number being the form of the blade, the following capital

letter shows the type of the blade, then an Arabic letter presents the propor-

tion of the blade and socket length, and finally a small letter symbolizes the

manufacture of the socket.

3.1.5 Classification of Edged Weapons

An edged weapon can be regarded as a unit composed of a blade, hilt, cross-

guard, scabbard and suspension loops. The various aspects of these edged

weapons are classified separately and afterwards are combined into a single

scheme. The main attribute is the blade, as a consequence of it being its

Figure 7 Types of triangular spearheads.