Shield Boss

Unknown

16th–17th century · Steel · Arms and Armor

This steel component, known as a boss, would have covered the center of a shield. It served both to protect the user's hand and to stabilize the wound-and-wrapped cane construction typical of Ottoman shields. Missing the original body, this boss—with its central spike surrounded by fluted channels and delicate tracery—now resembles a smaller shield.

Artist

Unknown

Date

16th–17th century

Medium

Steel

Culture

probably Turkish

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913