A Viking Iron Shield Boss Or Umbo, Circa 9th Century Ad

A rare and complete Viking shield boss (front part of a shield); round shape with doomed central section; pierced for attachment. The boss was once part of a large wooden shield and was the central decorative and defensive element of the shield. The rounded boss could act as a way to deflect arrows or blows from the enemies sword. Short knife of slightly offset form, sharpened on leading edge with tang for insertion onto a wooden grip.
This shield boss was found in the Netherlands, but unfortunately, we are not shure were. It is from a Dutch collection from the 1970’s. Hence its good condition. It was found in a period before intensive farming really took off meaning that pieces then found are in better condition than artefacts found today.
Vikings in the Netherlands: before the Netherlands was the Netherlands or even Holland, it was known as Frisia. According to Historians, Vikings came to Frisia in the 9th century. They established control over all of Frisia. They conducted raids in cities and towns by the rivers. For example in Dorestad (nowadays Wijk bij Duurstede).

Outer Diameter: 18 c.m., Inner 10 c.m. Depth: 6 c.m