Kite shield

A kite shield is a large, almond-shaped shield rounded at the top and curving down to a point or rounded point at the bottom. The term "kite shield" is a reference to the shield's unique shape, and is derived from its supposed similarity to a flying kite, although "leaf-shaped shield" and "almond shield" have also been used in recent literature.^[2] Since the most prominent examples of this shield have appeared on the Bayeux Tapestry, the kite shield has become closely associated with Norman warfare.^[3]

^ Drawing from Wendelin Boeheim, Handbuch der Waffenkunde (1890), p. 172, after a miniature from the Second Bible of St Martial Abbey (early 12th century).
^ Grotowski, Piotr (2009). Arms and Armour of the Warrior Saints: Tradition and Innovation in Byzantine Iconography (843–1261). Leiden: Koninklijke Brill NV. pp. 231–234. ISBN 978-9004185487.
^ Bartusis, Mark (1997). The Late Byzantine Army: Arms and Society, 1204-1453. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press. pp. 322–342. ISBN 978-0812216202.

[1] Drawing from Wendelin Boeheim, Handbuch der Waffenkunde (1890), p. 172, after a miniature from the Second Bible of St Martial Abbey (early 12th century).

[Grotowski-2] Grotowski, Piotr (2009). Arms and Armour of the Warrior Saints: Tradition and Innovation in Byzantine Iconography (843–1261). Leiden: Koninklijke Brill NV. pp. 231–234. ISBN 978-9004185487.

[Bartusis-3] Bartusis, Mark (1997). The Late Byzantine Army: Arms and Society, 1204-1453. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press. pp. 322–342. ISBN 978-0812216202.

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