Kite shield

Today, under the name Norman shield, also almond, dragon, long pointed or Kiteschild (of English. Kite " dragons"), known protective weapon was in the 11th and 12th centuries, the dominant type of shield in Europe.

Development

The Norman Shield evolved from the round shield, which was extended downward to provide more protection especially for riders. However, this type of shield was also used by Fußkämpfern.

The shape and handling

The specimens shown on the Bayeux Tapestry is elongated, tapering down shields with round top. The amount varies in different representations. However, it may be assumed that a height of 50 to 75 % of the height of the carrier. The size of the shields benefited from the Shield Wall - defensive formation, as is also seen in representations on the Bayeux Tapestry.

In many representations can be seen a domed shape, but the use of shields as food pad on the Bayeux Tapestry also points out that there were shields, the curvature was not particularly remarkable.

Many Norman Shields had a varying in size shield boss, but which, unlike the round shield, in which he protected the hand on the handle, had only decorative effect here.

To hold the shield either arranged in a square or intersecting leather straps were attached. In addition, wearing a shield in bondage for better handling.

Representation in historical sources

The naming Norman shield can be attributed to the Bayeux Tapestry, which reflects these plate type in large numbers. This rug shows the Norman conquest of England in 1066. However, this term has emerged only in recent times, the Norman shield was not used only by the Normans. Addition, other sources from the 11th - 12th Century show Norman shields, such as the Codex aureus Epternacensis from the early 11th century, or the Liber ad honorem Augusti Illustrated Chronicle sive de rebus Siculis from the year 1196th

Finds

Unique finds this sign type does not currently exist. To determine whether the so -called saddle plate from Seedorf ( Switzerland ) from the late 12th century, which is preserved in the Swiss National Museum in Zurich to is a modified form of the only almond shield is controversial today. Earlier papers report it, he will not get completely and originally, it was almost one-third of the upper part has been separated in the 13th century. This thesis was mainly therefore set up because the folded top edge of the Rohhautbespannung has a round shape. In 1990, further investigations were carried out, which showed that the top edge differs neither in the clothing processing and attachment still in the livery of the lateral edges. Furthermore, it was noted that the clothing, should she have a cover plate with a round top edge, this would have only completed flush. However, the top margin is one of the most stressed areas of the shield, so that a jacket is very important. These findings make it very unlikely that this was originally a Norman shield at the sign.

Gallery

Soldiers with Norman shields ( Liber ad honorem Augusti sive de rebus Siculis, 1196)

Mark Ward of Annweiler with a Norman shield together with coat of arms ( Liber ad honorem Augusti sive de rebus Siculis, 1196)

So-called Temple Pyx ( monstrance ), part of a reliquary (around 1140-1150 ), today Burrell Collection, Glasgow.