Adam @eblueaxe.bsky.social · Mar 11
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Perhaps, and interesting alternate way of thinking about this description? After all; earlier late prehistoric shields in Ireland can be metal, wood, and leather, all embossed and decorated in similar patters (image below I took in the NMI of some) so why not in the early medieval period?

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Clare Downham · Mar 11

So interesting thanks Adam! I'm intrigued that the loanword scell (coming from ON 'shield') in Irish just refers to part of the shield (the boss?), and thinking of the distinctive shapes of bosses that were introduced and developed in Ireland, but yes could do with more archaeology insights