Shields of the Viking Age from the Gokstad Ship Burial: A Reassessment of Their Construction and Function
Show all articles The early discovery of 64 round Viking Age shields from the Gokstad ship burial has almost exclusively shaped our understanding of the construction and role of shields from this period. However, despite their significance, the find materials have never been fully published or subjected to any substantial study since their discovery in 1880. As a result, modern understanding of these shields remains extremely limited and somewhat distorted by the biased assumption that they may represent ceremonial shields for burial rites, as well as the presumption of uniformity (homogeneity). This preliminary study critically evaluates these biases and presents the results of a reassessment of the shield boards from the Gokstad ship burial. Despite their fragmented state, these artifacts contribute significantly to a deeper understanding of Viking Age shield construction, particularly when combined with other well-preserved archaeological shield finds and available scientific material on such shields. Thus, the preliminary results of this study provide new insights into the complexities of Viking Age shield-making technologies and their use in burial rites, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach to this material in the future. The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, with its exceptionally rich and well-preserved archaeological material from Gokstad, has provided valuable insights into both everyday and high-status material culture of the Viking Age (c. 750–1050 AD).¹ For scholars interested in Viking Age warfare, the archaeological material is of particular significance, as it is perhaps one of the primary sources of data on shield technology from this period. The remains of 64 shields, painted black and yellow, discovered in Gokstad, are among the best-preserved Viking Age shields and represent an unprecedented synchronous find in a single archaeological context. As such, these artifacts have played a crucial role in shaping our understanding of round shield construction in the Viking Age. It is no exaggeration to say that these finds have almost single-handedly formed our perception of Viking Age round shields due to their state of preservation, as well as the early excavations and publication by Norwegian archaeologist Nicolay Nicolaysen in the late 19th century (Fig. 1). страшное насекомое.Проснувшись однажды утром после беспокойного сна, Грегор Замза обнаружил, что он у себя в постели превратился в страшное насекомое.Проснувшись однажды утром после беспокойного сна, Грегор Замза обнаружил, что он у себя в постели превратился в страшное насекомое.Проснувшись однажды утром после беспокойного сна, Грегор Замза обнаружил, что он у себя в постели превратился в страшное насекомое.Проснувшись однажды утром после беспокойного сна, Грегор Замза обнаружил, что он у себя в постели превратился в страшное насекомое.
