Viking Round Shield “VEGVÍSIR” with Rawhide Rim
The Viking round shield “VEGVÍSIR” is an impressive wooden shield featuring one of the best-known symbols used in modern Norse-inspired imagery. At the centre of its painted design is the Vegvísir, a name commonly translated as “wayfinder” or “way-shower”.
The round shield is constructed from plywood approximately 13 mm thick. At its centre is a generously sized steel shield boss, securely fixed with four rivets and providing ample room for the hand.
The outer edge of the shield is covered with rawhide. Three riveted wooden reinforcement battens on the reverse provide additional stability. The central batten also serves as the hand grip and is wrapped in leather around the shield opening for a more comfortable hold.
The Vegvísir – the Icelandic “Wayfinder”
The shield's central motif is the Vegvísir, an Icelandic magical sign belonging to a group of symbols known as Galdrastafir. A well-known documented representation of the symbol appears in the Huld manuscript compiled by Geir Vigfússon in 1860.
The Vegvísir is associated with the idea of preventing its bearer from losing their way during storms and bad weather, even when the path ahead is unknown. Today, the symbol is commonly interpreted as a sign of guidance, protection and finding one's way.
Historical note: There is no historical evidence that the Vegvísir was used during the Viking Age itself. Its documented tradition comes from a much later period in Icelandic history. This shield should therefore be regarded as a Norse-inspired piece rather than a historically authentic reconstruction of a Viking shield bearing this symbol.
With its distinctive painted design, “VEGVÍSIR” is well suited to reenactment, LARP and Norse-inspired costumes as well as stage productions, photography, film and television. It also makes an attractive collector's piece, display shield or decorative item for enthusiasts of Norse-inspired imagery.
Details
-
Material: Plywood, solid wood, leather, rawhide and steel
-
Design: Vegvísir / Icelandic wayfinder symbol
-
Diameter: approx. 60 cm (23.6 in.)
-
Thickness: approx. 13 mm
-
Shield boss: Steel
-
Overall shield boss diameter: approx. 18 cm
-
Boss / shield opening diameter: approx. 13 cm
-
Dome depth: approx. 8 cm
-
Rim: Covered with rawhide
-
Grip: Solid wood with leather wrapping
-
Reverse: Three riveted wooden reinforcement battens
-
Weight: approx. 2.8 kg
-
Suitable for: Reenactment, LARP, costumes, stage, photography, film, television, displays and decoration
Safety Notice
This product may have sharp edges. Improper or careless use may result in injury.
Product safety information
Manufacturer information:
Battle-Merchant Wacken GmbH & Co. KG
Gehrn 4
Schleswig-Holstein
Wacken, Deutschland, 25596
info@battlemerchant.com
There are no reviews yet.
German
