Edged Weapons 235
2.1.2 Spatha Pommels
Pommels are mainly used on the end of spatha hilts during the Avar Age. Their
classification is based on western European models and therefore our main
concern is whether chronological synchronisation is possible. The pommel is
at the end of the trapezoid hilt-tongue and was made of iron or copper alloy
(fig. 86). Spatha pommels can be divided into various types: boat-shaped pom-
mels made of an iron sheet being known only from two graves of the Kölked
cemetery,250 both of them being dated to the Early phase. Flat almond-shaped
iron pommels are known from two Early phase burials in South Transdanubia,
both of them being probably dated to the first half of the 7th century.251 A
unique pommel cast of copper alloy and decorated with stylised animal heads
is known from the Környe cemetery as a stray find which is dated to the end of
the 6th century (fig. 86/4).252
250 Kölked–Feketekapu A grave No. 253 (Kiss 1996, 74, Taf. 55/1); Kölked–Feketekapu B grave
No. 82 (Kiss 2001, 27–28, II. 28/10, 12).
251 Kölked–Feketekapu A grave No. 264 (Kiss 1996, 77–78; Taf. 59/12); Pécs–Köztemető grave
No. 36 (Kiss 1977, 96. Pl. XXXVIII).
252 Salamon – Erdélyi 1971, 30, Taf. 33/3, Abb. 4/5.
Figure 86 Pommels: 1. MG 1, 2. MG 2, 3. MG 4, 4. MG 3.