Bronze shield

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This bronze shield is one of three found in a hoard at Yetholm in Roxburghshire. It was more ornamental than practical. The shields were probably deposited in a watery area as gifts to the gods, sometime between 1150 and 750 BC.

The shield has a central boss surrounded by 24 rows of alternating ribs and bosses. This picture shows the underside of the shield. The bronze grip for holding the shield is attached by rivets under the boss.

Watery places were favoured for making offerings. Many were probably considered sacred sites. They may have been seen as boundaries between the human world and the world of the gods, where contact could be made.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-957-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DN 1
• Date: Between 1150 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; circular; upper surface covered with raised concentric circles and rows of knobs
  Shield
  
• Dimensions: 23.50" D
  
• What: Shield
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Yetholm
  
• Event:
• Description: Circular bronze shield with upper surface covered with raised concentric circles and rows of knobs, from near Yetholm, Roxburghshire
  
• References:
  • Coles, John M. Scottish late Bronze Age metalwork: typology, distributions and chronology. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 93 (1959-1960), pp 16-134, esp. pp 26, 88, 131-2. 
• Translations:
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