Mycenaean wall painting depicting figure-of-eight shield with a suspension strap at the middle. 1250–1180 BCE.

Dappled Ox-Hide Shield (Inv. No. 11671)
Caption: This fresco fragment depicts a figure-of-eight shield featuring a vertical suspension strap at its narrowest point. The surface pattern mimics the natural dappling of cow’s hide, indicating the organic materials used in original defensive armor. While this shield is a common motif in Mycenaean jewelry and miniatures, its appearance in monumental wall painting is extremely rare. In this religious context, the weapon transcends its military function to serve as a symbolic icon of a war goddess.

On exhibit in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Greece

Tags:
Athens Attica Bronze Age Color and Polychromy Fresco Martial Mycenae Mycenaean National Archaeological Museum Original Photo Shields