Shield with guige highlighted

A guige is a long strap, typically made of leather, used to hang a shield on the shoulder or neck. This technique was primarily done when the shield was not in use. Nevertheless, soldiers also wore the strap in this fashion in combat: it allowed the two-arm combat: to handle a second weapon, to allow the shield be worn on the back while using a two-handed sword, to use a spear with two hands or various siege machines without discarding the shield, etc. ^[1]

Some guiges had buckles to adjust its length. They could be attached to the shield in different ways: in the upper part, upside down, diagonally, or diametrally.

Most information about the usage of guiges comes from various Mediaeval works of art, such as the Bayeux Tapestry.

[edit] See also

• Enarmes

[edit] References

1. ^ Clements, John (1998). Medieval Swordsmanship: Illustrated Methods and Techniques. Boulder, Colorado: Paladin Press. ISBN 1-58160-004-6. 

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