2300-Yr-Old Rare Iron Age Shield Made of Bark Stuns Archaeologists; 'Truly Astonishing and Unparalleled Artifact'

The discovery of gold and silver artifacts from ancient times are some of the most common occurrences. These metals are likely to survive because of their value and endurance. Some materials do not have these qualities and hence are rare finds. The discovery of an object in Europe made out of one of these rare materials in 2015 elated archaeologists, stated ULAS News.

The object that was unearthed south of Leicester on the Everards Meadows was an Iron Age bark shield. Examinations revealed that the object was 2,300 years old. The discovery was made when the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) was investigating the site at the request of a local family business Everards of Leicestershire. Researchers stated that the shield was 670 x 370mm in dimensions. 

The shield was created with wooden laths, which gave the object the required rigidity. Researchers also observed a wooden edging rim along with a woven boss on the artifact. The latter was possibly incorporated to protect the wooden handle of the shield. Experts think the shield was painted to give it an appealing appearance. Analysis showcased that the shield was made somewhere between 395 and 255 B.C., during the middle Iron Age.

Bark objects were typical in ancient society, however, not many have survived the test of time. Therefore, the experts were ecstatic when they got their hands on this beautiful Iron Age bark shield. "This is an absolutely phenomenal object, one of the most marvelous, internationally important finds that I’ve encountered in my career. So often it is gold which grabs the headlines, but this bark shield is much rarer. Bark and basketry objects were probably commonplace in ancient Britain, but they seldom survived, so to be able to study this shield is a great privilege," Julia Farley from the British Museum shared. "It holds a rich store of information about Iron Age society and craft practices. We are grateful to Everards and the University of Leicester for donating such a significant object to the British Museum where it will go on display next year after further investigation and preparation.”

Researchers believe that the shield underwent a lot of damage before being placed in what seemed to have been a livestock watering hole. The damage likely happened because of beating taken from things like the pointed tips of spears. Further analysis is needed to identify whether the destruction was a consequence of a battle or a ritual practice. The finding is one of a kind because this is the first time researchers have detected the use of bark in Iron Age weapons.  

The team used advanced techniques like CT scanning and 3D printing at the Leicester Royal Infirmary to understand how Iron Age society used materials like bark to create weapons that could withstand aggressive blows. "This truly astonishing and unparalleled artifact has given us an insight into prehistoric technology that we could never have guessed at. Being part of the team working to tease apart the complex secrets of the shield construction has been incredibly interesting and rewarding," Mike Bamforth, Project Manager in the Department of Archaeology at the University of York said. The team claimed that the bark shield was a valuable weapon as it could help their users land more injuries to the enemies, by allowing for more speed in comparison to other weapons in the period. 

Experts were impressed by the expertise employed by the Iron Age society in creating the possible weapon. "The first time I saw the shield I was absolutely awed by it: the complex structure, the careful decorations, and the beautiful boss! I must admit I was initially sceptical about whether the shield would have functioned effectively, however, the experimental work showed that the shield would have worked very effectively and my analysis of the surface of the object has identified evidence of use!" Dr Rachel Crellin, Lecturer in later Prehistory at the University of Leicester, who assessed the evidence for impact damage shared. "It is a truly unique object – but – was probably common place in the period!"