Balladoyne Shield Boss
Date made: Viking
Description: This circular iron dome formed the centre of a Viking shield. The wooden shield itself was attached by rivets. The shield was used in defence during battle, but the iron boss could be used as well to give an opponent a nasty knock.
The wooden shield may originally have been covered with painted leather. Fragments of leather with red, white and black paint were found in the Viking burial at Ballateare.
Found with sword (1954-3898a), spear (1954-3898b) and a fragment of bone (1954-3898d).
Measurements: overall: 10 mm x 150 mm
Materials: metal: iron
Date found: 1937.12.02
Object name: shield
Collection: Archaeology Collection
ID number: 1954-3898c