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, though it is clearly also seen being used by the Saxons.^[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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