Shield boss

This iron shield boss was found at Lamlash on Arran in the Inner Hebrides. It is an unusual shape, but was probably made in workshop situated somewhere around the Irish Sea. It is not possible to determine whether its owner was native or Scandinavian.

The shield boss has a wide flange, though only approximately one quarter survives. The boss is corroded and imperfect.

The period between 400 and 900 AD was a turbulent one in Scottish history, with tribal groups of Picts, Scots, Angles, Britons and Scandinavians contesting for power. Greater skills in ironworking produced bigger and better weapons.

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Online ID:	000-100-043-904-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.IL 726
Date:	Between 800 and 900
Material:	Iron; about three quarters of flange missing
Dimensions:	8.00" est D; flange 1.90" W
What:
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Bute, Arran, Lamlash, Millhill
Event:
Description:	Iron shield boss from Lamlash, Arran
References:	Grieg, Sigurd. Viking Antiquities in Scotland (=Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland, Part II, ed. by Haakon Shetelig). Oslo: H. Aschehoug & Co., 1940, pp. 27-8.
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