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: iron

Date found: 1937.12.02

Object name: shield

Collection: Archaeology Collection

ID number: 1954-3898c

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