Shield boss

Add to album

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.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-043-904-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: 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. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: