✦ Member
← Arsenal

WABUKAN Arsenal · Shields · Europe

Kite shield

A large almond-shaped shield, rounded at the top and pointed at the bottom, famous from the Normans of the Bayeux Tapestry.

Kite shield
Kite shield WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

kite shield, leaf-shaped shield, almond shield; Norman shield

Origin and history

Kite shields spread across Western Europe in the 1000s, appearing early in Normandy, parts of Spain and the Holy Roman Empire; it is unclear which region came first. It is often thought they were made for cavalry, covering the rider’s left leg with the narrow tail and the shoulder and torso with the wide top. In the Bayeux Tapestry most of the English also carry them on foot. The First Crusade brought them to the Middle East in large numbers, and by the mid-12th century they had replaced round shields in the Byzantine Komnenian army. A flat-topped version followed, later replaced in the West by the smaller heater shield.

Martial arts that use it

Seen in traditional practice, historical reenactment and demonstrations; no art page on WABUKAN yet.

Construction

At least three to five feet (about 0.9 to 1.5 m) high, made of laminated wood, stretched hide and iron fittings, often with a domed metal boss. Unlike earlier round shields with a single handle, it had enarmes, straps that held it tight to the forearm, and often a guige strap to sling it over the shoulder.

Basic techniques

Training

Shield work starts with how to hold and carry it: the grip, keeping it between you and the opponent, and moving behind it without dropping the guard. Blocks, covers and pushes are then drilled with a partner using wooden or padded weapons, slowly at first.

Safety

Check straps, grips and the rim before each session: a loose strap or a split board can injure the hand. Keep the top edge of the shield away from your partner’s face and wear a helmet for any contact work.

Legality (general information)

This is training or traditional equipment, not a weapon, and is generally free to buy and own. Clubs and federations may still set rules on approved models and condition. General information, not legal advice.

Did you know?

Byzantine infantry often carried kite shields on their backs while marching, sometimes upside down.

More weapons

Pavise Scutum Aspis (hoplon) Buckler Dhal Targe

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Kite shield