Other items shown in the photos are not included.
Viking Drakkar Shield – Fleet of the Conquerors
Availability: 23 in stock
SKU: SCU-002Longships were the key tool of Viking expansion between the 8th and 11th centuries: fast, light, and with a shallow draft, they could cross the open sea and navigate rivers, allowing the Scandinavians to trade, explore, and launch raids from Ireland to the Mediterranean. Today they are popularly called "drakkar," a modern word inspired by the dragon heads that adorned some prows; the Vikings themselves called them longships. The ships found at Gokstad and Oseberg in Norway also reveal a custom that this shield depicts: hanging the crew's shields along the gunwale. The piece features two of these ships, one white on natural wood and the other black on a light background, symbolising the balance between light and darkness. According to the accompanying legend, a fabricated tale with no historical basis, the shield belonged to Håkon Breakwater, commander of a fleet feared on distant shores: one ship represented raids in broad daylight, and the other assaults in the fog. It was said that during storms, the rowers saw the painted ships moving, and that when Håkon disappeared at sea, his shield was found floating intact.
Identification
- Specific type
- Decorative Viking round shield
- Model
- Drakkar – Fleet of the Conquerors
- Historical period depicted
- Viking Age (8th-11th centuries)
Dimensions
- Dimensiones (diámetro o alto × ancho)
- 60 cm in diameter
- Thickness
- 10 mm
- Total weight
- 2500 g
Construction
- Material
- Solid wood in assembled vertical boards, central umbo of black steel and riveted metal ring
- Straps or handle
- Central grip behind the boss
Decoration
- Motif or decoration
- Two stylised Viking ships: one white on natural wood and the other black on a light background
- Finish
- Painted with an aged finish, exposed planks and a riveted metal ring in a gold tone
General information
- Recommended use
- Decoration, historical re-enactment and cosplay
The shield's body is made of solid wood, with exposed vertical planks assembled to form a 60 cm diameter disc. A domed piece of black steel in the centre protects the hand, with the handle at the back. The rim is reinforced with a riveted metal ring. The front is divided into two halves: the upper half retains the wood's natural tone and features a white-painted ship, while the lower half, painted light, depicts another ship in black, complete with oars, a carved prow, and shields along the gunwale. An aged finish completes the piece.
- Round Viking-style shield, 60 cm in diameter.
- Solid wood in visible, joined vertical planks.
- Black steel central boss and riveted metal rim.
- Decoration with two Viking ships: one white on natural wood and the other black on a light background.
- Details of oars, carved prows and shields hung along the gunwale.
- Aged finish that enhances the appearance of an antique piece.
- Legend: the shield of the fleet chieftain Håkon Wavebreaker.
- Ideal piece for decoration, historical re-enactment or cosplay.
No questions about this piece yet. Not sure about something? Ask us.