Prehistoric shield production, utilizing hides and hot-stone technology as an alternative to leather to reconstruct the Clonbrin shield

Abstract

The survival and prosperity of many communities has been intertwined with the utilisation of all that the dead animal has to offer. The often-hazardous act, energy used, and commitment required to hunt and kill, is often acknowledged with solemn respect, demonstrated by the division of meat and the extensive and varied use that the different parts of a carcus offers. With this in mind, understanding the value and opportunities that such a sizable piece of material as the skin has to offer should not be underestimated. Studies from Europe and North America have demonstrated numerous methods of skin processing, from simply scraping and drying, to manipulation after it has been emersed in a solution of brains, liver, or eggs, to freeze drying in snow, that all enable the production of viable skin-based materials (Baillargeon, 2011; Belitz, 1973; Churchill, 1987; Frink and Weedman, 2006; Hurcombe, 2014; King et al., 2005; Lyons, 2011; Richards, 2004; Webley, 2006; Wilder, 1976). But the application of heat from hot-stones and coals, is not one that is commonly recognised.This research presented here forms part of a larger investigation into the processing and use of hides and skins in late prehistoric Europe. As part of that research a series of experiments were carried out to establish if alternative production method for the prehistoric skin shield from Clonbrin could be achieved simply by using hot-stone technology, and if this removed the need for the shield to be made from leather.Alongside this research was conducted into how differently processed skins were affected by peat-bog deposition. This enabled discussion regarding the classification of skin-based materials and if the influence of environments that have the potential to alter the original nature of the skin should influence how skin-based artefacts are categorised.This experimental research seeks to widen the discussion on organic prehistoric material culture, and to establish a fresh narrative for the use of hot-stone technology and the production of the Clonbrin shield. The process from preparation of unprocessed cow skin to viable martial object will be detailed, demonstrating how this innovative method provides a credible alternative to the use of leather and the cuir-bouilli technique, which is presently considered to be the production method for this prehistoric artefact.