Un Arriaz Broncíneo decorado, de espada de época Omeya andalusí, hallado en el occidente del alfoz de Madīnat Qurṭuba (Córdoba).

Abstract

In this article we present a sword crossguard found casually in the archaeological settlement of Los Algarbes (Ecija, Sevilla), which is part of the funds of the Historical Museum “Juan Bernier” in La Carlota (Córdoba). The crossguard is made of bronze and has a simple decoration, in relief, with a central figurative element (one head with anthropomorphic features, which we identify as belonging to a ŷinn or a genie of magical Islamic mythology) from which two palm-shaped motives are emerging on each side. This crossguard has curved arms towards the blade in a clear Byzantine style, although it must be considered as manufactured in Córdoba during the Omeya period, probably in the Caliphate time. The shortage of materials associated with swords of this period, turn the crossguard of Los Algarves into an essential reference to comprehend the Andalusi military weapons of the early Middle Age.