Two Shield Bosses (Umbos)
Unknown Artist
7th century
Medium
Iron, copper alloy, gold
Dimensions
1984.184.1: Diam. 7 1/2 in. (19.05 cm); D. 3 1/2 in. (8.89 cm); 1984.184.2: Diam. 7 in. (17.78 cm); D. 3 1/2 in. (8.89 cm)
Classification
Shields
Culture
Western European, Langobardic
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Rogers Fund and Bequest of Stephen V. Grancsay, by exchange, 1984
Accession Number
1984.184.1, .2
Art Historical Context
These striking 7th-century shield bosses, or *umbos*, from the Langobardic culture of Western Europe, served as both functional protectors and symbols of warrior status. Crafted with an iron core for durability, they feature copper alloy sheathing and gold accents, highlighting the Lombards'—a Germanic people who dominated northern Italy after the fall of Rome—mastery of metalworking. Measuring about 7 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches deep, these domed centers would have protruded from wooden shields, guarding the bearer's hand while allowing for aggressive combat thrusts. Langobardic artifa...