Two Shield Bosses (Umbos)

Unknown

7th century · Iron, copper alloy, gold · Arms and Armor

Shield bosses were attached to the center of a circular wooden shield. These two are thought to have been made in northern Italy, the heart of the Langobardic Kingdom from the late sixth to the mid-eighth century. The majority of surviving Langobardic shield bosses are made of plain iron. Some, like these examples, are more richly decorated with engraved appliqués of gilt bronze. The crosses and fish that decorate one of the bosses suggest that its owner was a Christian. The bird-headed spiral on the other boss is an older symbol derived from the Langobards' pre-Christian past.

Artist

Unknown

Date

7th century

Medium

Iron, copper alloy, gold

Culture

Western European, Langobardic

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Rogers Fund and Bequest of Stephen V. Grancsay, by exchange, 1984