How were Viking shields constructed?
The Vikings used round shields made of wood. be as large as 95cm or as small as 70cm. Shields were often custom made to be the perfect size for the warrior who was going to be using it. planks of wood butted together, but written evidence states that the shields were constructed from two layers of linden wood.
What wood is used for Viking shields?
The Vikings choice of wood was Linden wood which translates to “Shield Wood” or Basswood as we know it. Although a softwood and considered flimsy, basswood has two characteristics that make it perfect for use in a shield.
Did Viking shields have metal rims?
The metal boss, attached to the wooden part of the shield by nails, protected the hand. Viking shields were rimmed with leather or rawhide. This stopped the shield from splitting if it was hit by a blade on its edge. Some shields may have had iron rims, but there isn’t much archaeological evidence to support this.
What does every Viking shield need to be made of?
The most common wood that was used was pine, but there are many surviving shields that were made out of spruce and fir. Along the way, Vikings realized that it is much more effective to make their shields out of plywood than the whole pieces of a tree.
How much did a Viking shield weigh?
A shield made with 1/4″ poplar planks with canvas face, linen back, and leather rim weighs about 6lbs. A 28″ diameter 1/2″ plywood shield will weight between 7-8 pounds depending on the rim.
How thick is a Viking shield?
1/2in
The shield was made of six wooden planks, butted and glued together. The overall diameter of the shield was 84cm (33in), and the thickness was uniformly 13mm (1/2in).
Why are Viking shields round?
Their shape helped protect a fighter while riding on the back of a horse. However, during the Viking age, fighting was done on foot, so it seems unlikely they would have seen wide use. Evidence from skaldic poetry suggests round shields.
How big should a Viking shield be?
32-36 inches
Typical Viking shields were 80-90cm (32-36 inches) in diameter. Some were larger, such as the Gokstad shields, which were 94cm (37in) across. Based on surviving remnants, some shields appear to have been as small as 70cm (28in) in diameter.
Did Vikings use plywood?
Along the way, Vikings realized that it is much more effective to make their shields out of plywood than the whole pieces of a tree. They chopped wood into small pieces and then glued it together, creating plywood that was proven to be much more resistant against all cold weapons.
How much did Viking shields weigh?
Why were Viking shields painted?
Thus, the shield was perhaps the most indispensable tool the Viking carried. The shield was both a defensive and offensive weapon. Once decorated, it conveyed the user’s identity or loyalty, and was sometimes painted with runes or symbols to bring victory.