Shields were an important part of the warrior panoply in the Bronze Age. The main part of the shields would have been made out of wood or leather, but due to their organic nature, very few have survived to this day. Shield bosses were placed at the centre of round shields and were originally intended to deflect blows to the shield. They became more elaborate over time and eventually developed into more of a decorative feature. Thus, many of the shields found were most probably made for ceremonial or funerary purposes; they were too fragile to have had any practical use in combat.
European Bronze-Age Shield Boss
£ 550.00
A fine European Bronze-Age shield boss. The boss features a bronze sheet cast in a circular, convex, domed shape. The reverse has a bronze loop, used to attach the shield boss to the shield. The front of the boss is unadorned but smooth and polished and the back is unworked. The boss is accompanied by a custom-made display stand.
The measurements listed below includes the stand. The piece itself weighs 67.6g, and measures 10.4cm in diameter and 1.7cm in width.
Period: Late Bronze Age
Condition: Very fine condition. A beautiful patina and encrustations to the surface. The piece has been cracked and repaired to one edge.
| Weight | 166.2 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 10.4 x W 5.3 x H 19.4 cm |
| Region | Central Europe, Southern Europe, Western Europe |
| Metal | Bronze |
