488 



Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. 



of the looped class, exclusive of transitional forms, and 131 specimens 

 with, rivet holes for attachment. 



It will be found that the latter, with the exception of five 

 examples, are leaf- shaped, the blades plain, and that the form 

 depends for character on the simplicity and decision of its lines, and not 

 on ornament. In typical looped specimens the lines of the blade are 



(1) 



(2) 



(3; 



I. — Colloony 'Day Collection). One-half. 2.— R. I. A. (Petrie Collection). One-half. 



3.-(W. 192). 



straight, and in general the blade presents a more or less lozenge or 

 wedge-shaped appearance. The shoulders of the blade are strongly 

 marked, and the return of the blade on the socket is abrupt. 



Eaised ribs are usual in the blades of the looped type, but, as far as 

 I am aware, are never found on true leaf -shaped examples. These 

 raised ribs give great energy to the angular form of the blade in the 



