✦ Member
← Arsenal

WABUKAN Arsenal · Shields · Europe

Pavise

A large oblong shield, often tall enough to cover the whole body, behind which archers and crossbowmen sheltered while reloading.

Pavise
Pavise WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

pavise, pavis, pabys, pavesen; pavese (Italian)

Origin and history

The name comes from the city of Pavia in Italy. The pavise was used from the mid-14th to the early 16th century, mostly by archers and crossbowmen, especially in sieges. The idea is old: in the Iliad, Ajax covers his half-brother Teucer, an archer, with his shield, and the Persian sparabara used large wicker shields. Pavises were often painted with the arms of the town that made them and kept in the town arsenal; saints such as Barbara and George appear on them, and the Hussite chalice during the Hussite Wars. Only about 200 survive.

Martial arts that use it

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

Construction

Large, square and convex, with a prominent central ridge, usually covered in coarse canvas and then painted with oil and egg-based paints. It was held by the pavisier or by a specialist pavise-bearer, or stood in the ground on a spike at the bottom. A smaller version was made for hand-to-hand combat and for wearing on the back.

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?

On ships, a pavisade was a row of shields or a band of canvas hung around the vessel to hide the crew and discourage boarding.

More weapons

Kite shield Scutum Aspis (hoplon) Buckler Dhal Targe

Sources

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

  1. Wikipedia — Pavise