A Rigid Grip
The warriors carried their shields by a rigid handle that ran across a recess in the centre of the shield-board. This was made of wood and was often covered with metal fittings. On the front, the handle recess was covered by a shield boss. This could take various forms and be made of a thin sheet of iron, non-ferrous metal, or silver. Shield bosses made of organic material are also found.
Find site: Thorsberg bog
Material: Wood, copper alloy
Lightweight construction
The shields consisted of several boards glued together. The shield boards were split radially from alder trunks. They were surprisingly thin, measuring an average of only 3 mm at the edge. This makes them very lightweight – modern replicas weigh only about 3 kg.
Location: Thorsberg bog
Material: Wood
Edge reinforcement
The edges of round and oblong shields were reinforced with non-ferrous metal fittings attached only in sections. Some shields probably also had a rim made of leather or raw hide.
Location: Thorsbergbog
Material: Wood, copper alloy
Maintenance
The production of a Germanic shield requires a great deal of expertise, which is why it was presumably carried out by specialist craftsmen. The shields therefore held a certain value for their bearers. Various fittings indicate that they were maintained and, where damaged, also repaired.
Location: Thorsberg bog
Material: Wood, copper alloy