Barbarian Wicker-shields

**Kdssow** · July 19, 2017, 12:07 PM

Good day, people!
I noticed that units like the Swêboz Jugunthiz carry wicker-shields, and I was wondering if there are any archeological, and-or reconstructed images of this shield's template. (preferably of both front and back sides) Also some background information regarding these types of shields in the use of the Celtic and Germanic tribes would be very appreciated.
I am currently planning on making a Wicker-shield for myself to use in re-enacting and HEMA, any tips regarding construction and so forth, would be most welcome as well.

**Rad** · July 19, 2017, 01:42 PM

Yeah, good luck with that. The local historians aren't exactly eager to point you in the right direction. I tried asking for similar stuff and got the silent treatment. Well, I am in the reenactment world, so I will point you towards a construction manual (hopefully, with some evidence to back it), if I run into one.
What period and culture are you reenacting?

**Kdssow** · July 21, 2017, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by Rad

Yeah, good luck with that. The local historians aren't exactly eager to point you in the right direction. I tried asking for similar stuff and got the silent treatment. Well, I am in the reenactment world, so I will point you towards a construction manual (hopefully, with some evidence to back it), if I run into one.
What period and culture are you reenacting?

Iron Age in the Netherlands (focussing between 1st Cent. BC and AD)

**Trarco** · July 19, 2017, 07:13 PM

Neither Celtic nor Germanic, but Iberian, however better than nothing

:

These paintings of a vase of Archena may represent warriors with wicker shields. The main trait is that the handgrip would have shape of cross or "X". Hypothetically, they could be made of leather or other organic material.

Tomorrow (I will have to go the library), I will try to post a drawing that represents the reenactment of these hypothetical wicker thureoi. I am not sure 100%, but I think it shows the possible construction of the shield.

**Trarco** · July 20, 2017, 05:37 AM

The drawing:

**paleologos** · July 20, 2017, 04:26 PM

Interesting posts, thank you.

**Rad** · July 21, 2017, 05:45 PM

The advice I was given: Get a basket maker to weave the wicker in the shape of the shield. Cover that in leather, strap handles and you are good to go.
Interesting period. Are you in a group, or are you a lone gunman?

**Kdssow** · July 22, 2017, 11:05 AM

Just a lone gun(spear)man, though some friends of mine are quite interested in forming a group, wich could bode well in the future.
A friend of mine has a Celtic bronze age group, with only him and 2 other members, i'm surprised how he holds up with such few people