nandana
(Nandana)
#1
Edged Weapons 291
as hilt coverings, crossguards, decoration of the scabbard or suspension loops,
were subject to much more frequent change. The most significant parts of hilt
decoration were the pommel, hilt caps, plate-coverings and rivets.
The most striking feature of the crossguard was its increase in frequency
from the Middle phase onwards. Avar-age crossguards were highly influenced
by those Byzantine crossguards cast of copper alloy which can be regarded as
the predecessors of the star-shaped crossguard. The Middle phase and first half
of the Late phase was characterised by a short crossguard (length of 5–6 cm),
while long and straight crossguards (8–10 cm) were mainly used in the later
period (second half of the 8th century).
The suspension loops are also important chronological indicators. P-shaped
suspension loops can be divided into three types which partly reflect chron-
ological differences. The semicircular or D-shaped suspension loops suggest
continuity from the Early and Middle phase, only their manufacturing tech-
nique was different.
The trends we have outlined partly reflect changes in fighting methods
and warfare, in particular suggesting the growing importance of light cavalry.
Imported weapons were only used when they could be used on the basis of
local Avar fighting methods.
