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77. 10TH CENTURY SLAV CHIEFTAIN
An extract from Armies of the Dark Ages 600-1066by Ian Heath
77. 10TH CENTURY SLAV CHIEFTAIN
This represents either a chieftain or one of the upper-class warriors who constituted his Druzhina. Armour was to be found only amongst such upper-class types and even then was only commonplace after the 10th century. It was usually of mail or sometimes lamellar. This man also wears a copper or iron grivna or torque, these still being worn until at least the 11th century, and his Persian-style helmet is decorated with gold inlay. Arms consist of spear, javelins and sword, the sword being an insignia of his social status.
Spurs are of bronze or iron and could be gilt. Stirrups were introduced by the Avars during the 6th or 7th century. Under Avar influence sabres, decorated belts and composite bows had also been temporarily adopted and Avar-style armour worn.