Two Shield Bosses (Umbos)

Western European, Langobardic

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 373

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.

Two Shield Bosses (Umbos), Iron, copper alloy, gold, Western European, Langobardic

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Two Shield Bosses (Umbos), Iron, copper alloy, gold, Western European, Langobardic
Two Shield Bosses (Umbos), Iron, copper alloy, gold, Western European, Langobardic
Two Shield Bosses (Umbos), Iron, copper alloy, gold, Western European, Langobardic
Two Shield Bosses (Umbos), Iron, copper alloy, gold, Western European, Langobardic
Two Shield Bosses (Umbos), Iron, copper alloy, gold, Western European, Langobardic
Two Shield Bosses (Umbos), Iron, copper alloy, gold, Western European, Langobardic
Two Shield Bosses (Umbos), Iron, copper alloy, gold, Western European, Langobardic
Two Shield Bosses (Umbos), Iron, copper alloy, gold, Western European, Langobardic

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