The shield is the active defensive weapon used by almost all cultures for defense in both ranged and close combat.
Of different shapes and materials, it held high symbolic value and was decorated with emblematic motifs.
The shield was rarely abandoned for reasons of honor.
“Go all to close combat with the long spear
Or strike with the sword and finish off the fierce enemy
Placing foot beside foot, pressing shield against shield
Plume beside plume and helmet against helmet”
The closed formation and being able to protect oneself with a comrade's shield was a guarantee.
Within the funerary context, the shield was an insignia that honored the deceased. It was an honor for a warrior to consecrate his own shield after his death in combat. According to classical texts, it was the piece of armor most dedicated to the gods.
The shield could be offered as part of spoils collected on the battlefield.
Medieval Shield, Swiss style with three points at the top and tapering to a point at the bottom. It is decorated with the Insignia of the Order of Santiago, a gules cross simulating a sword, with a fleur-de-lis shape on the hilt and arms.
From Marto's Exclusive Collection of Historical Shields.
Certificate of Origin and Quality. Made in Toledo.