Shield boss

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This iron shield boss was found in a Viking boy's burial at Balnakeil near Durness in Sutherland in 1991. He was buried with adult weapons and various objects on a bedding of feathers and straw, sometime between 850 and 900.

The shield boss preserves mineralized remains of straw on its outer surface, probably the remains of the straw on which the body was laid. The boss was attached to a wooden shield by four evenly spaced rivets which were revealed in the x-rays.

Like many shields found in Viking graves, this one was found near the head of the body, and probably covered the boy's head. Scientific analysis of parts of the flange revealed remains of the wooden shield with a leather covering.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-000-099-768-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: Kiloran Bay Viking Burial (multimedia essay)
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• Ref: National Museums Scotland  
• Date: Between 850 and 900
  
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• References:
  • Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, pp 140-2. 
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