The shield has been used by almost all human cultures for defense in combat, both long-range and hand-to-hand, due to its versatility in protecting the fighter from aggressions with thrown or wielded weapons.
Made with different materials such as leather, very resistant to arrows and spears; linen, copper, to reinforce the shield; bronze, which covered the outer surface; although the material par excellence was wood, which prevailed throughout history.
It could be manufactured in different ways depending on the type of protection for the combatant, from a simple, light and resistant wicker weave, or perforated with a thick structure of joined pieces, or a single sculpted piece of wood.
In the Byzantine Empire, the oval shield prevailed. In the West, from the 10th century onwards, the almond-shaped one, attributed to the Normans, was quite common, with a sharp lower point to stick it into the ground when troops halted. From the late 13th century to the 16th century, it tended towards an equilateral triangular shape.
The shields were covered with leather and painted with emblems or particular signs that gave rise to coats of arms.
Within the funerary context, the shield is an insignia that honors the deceased. It was an honor for the warrior to consecrate his own shield after his death in combat.
“…You shall possess at least one bronze shield, in which you shall be buried” (Euripides’ Trojan Women)
Medieval Shield, Swiss style with three points on the chief and pointed at the bottom. It is adorned with the Cross Pattée granted to the Order of the Knights Templar by Pope Eugene III in 1147.
From the Exclusive Collection of Historical Shields by Marto.
Certificate of Origin and Quality. Made in Toledo.