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

Stylized Shield Icon (Inv. No. 11672)
Caption: A rare example of Mycenaean monumental art, this wall painting shows a figure-of-eight shield characterized by its distinct cow-hide texture and central carrying strap. Although the figure-of-eight shape is frequently found in gold, ivory, and semi-precious stones, its representation on such a large scale is unique. Here, the defensive equipment is elevated to a sacred status, acting as a divine emblem for a protective female deity of war.
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