This is an extremely interesting sword; mo out of reach for me. So far, nobody
has tried to figure out a genealogy of IMAS but it is reasonable to assume that it developed from simple structures to the
more complex on. From simple hilts with no decorations to the ones with heads, animals, fancy rings and decorations below
the pommel. This IMAS then would belong to the early group, just as the one analyzed Maryon et al. As we know now, the way
Maeyons sword was produced is the extreme exception (so far it is the only known example) and not as was assumed for
a while, the rule. The IMAS 122 shown here is rather similar to Mayons sword but t constructed in a completely
different was as the X-ray picture clearly show. |