H-Shield

Approx. Period: 600 AD
Length: 0.40m Width: 0.40m

There are few surviving Pictish relics but rare images from the period such as the Sarcophagus found in St Andrews in 1833 and the Book of Kells give an insight into the weapons of the Picts. The H-Shield is a distinctive shape associated with the Picts, though small, handheld shields of round and square shapes are also in evidence.

The H-Shaped shield is light and compact with a central punch grip. The wooden construction is covered with leather and stained with symbolic figures. A bound wooden frame creates the H-Shape. The central boss of beaten iron encloses the grip hole and is raised to protect the hand.