PICTISH CHIEFTAIN

An extract from Armies of the Dark Ages 600-1066
by Ian Heath

33. PICTISH CHIEFTAIN

This is based on the Birsay grave slab from Orkney which depicts 3 chieftains of c. 700 of which this one is pre-eminent. He wears a long tunic with patterned hem, belted at the waist, and is armed with sword and thrusting spear. His shield, consisting of leather stretched over a frame of 2 sticks, is elaborately painted.

[Based on the Pictish Infantrymen on the Birsay Stone, Orkney]

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