THE FUNCTION OF LUTOMIERSK-TYPE FITTINGS

Reservations put forward in German-language studies concerning the function of fittings from Lutomiersk have yet to be accepted in Poland. In an unpublished discussion, it was pointed out that there would be no better argument in the case than to discover a fitting of the type, intentionally pierced for mounting a spur. Otherwise, previous opinions, arguing that the objects were saddle fittings, would remain unchallenged. More recent finds from Ostrów Tumski in Wroclaw did not resolve the question as the arched part was missing. Recently, a third fragment of fitting from Ostrów Tumski in Wroclaw was discovered in storage at the Institute of Archaeology of the Wroclaw University. This piece has a distinctly formed hole. All three fragments appear to have originated from the same spur. Moreover, an undamaged spur of the Lutomiersk type was presented on exhibition at the museum in Copenhagen. It should be noted that the grave finds from Lutomiersk were accompanied by elements of a set for mounting spurs. The discussed fittings occurred over a range suggesting a Scandinavian rather than Ruthenian origin. 4 Figures.