Odd weapon in the Bayeux Tapestry

Alcyoneus · Post by **Alcyoneus** » Thu Feb 01, 2001 3:27 am

The talk about the odd two handed weapon on another post reminded me of one in (actually 3) the Bayeux Tapestry. It has an open ring for the pommel, and seems to have a long shaft, and at the end what seems to be a type of axe head. If you look at the tapestry, it is at the section where they are building defences and starting to burn homes. www.hastings1066.com , panel 23-24.
What do you think?

Glen K · Post by **Glen K** » Thu Feb 01, 2001 8:14 am

Actually, I think what we're seeing is a stylized representation (like everying else on this 'tapestry') of shovels used in the building of the pre-fab castle William brought from Normandy with him. Great documentation for a period shovel with a grip at the end the shaft, eh?

[This message has been edited by Glen K (edited 02-01-2001).]

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 01, 2001 8:31 am

Yep, wooden shovels, frequently with a steel or iron edge. This pattern actually persisted at least as late as the American Revolution (saw one of the metal shoes excavated at Ft. Stanwyx in New York). Also notice the person using the single-point pick on the mound. The usual method was for the pick to do most of the ground breaking and the shovels scooped and moved the dirt. A few summers with County Roads and the USMCR and working on the farm will quickly reveal the efficacy of this method.

As for the conflict shown, well... you just can't trust those unruly Saxons, you know.
Most tools make good weapons.

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Abaddon · Post by **Abaddon** » Thu Feb 01, 2001 5:02 pm

Typical construction workers too...
Banging away at each other's heads with shovels. It's good to see that the work ethic hasn't changed much since then.
I think I worked with these two guys once...

Hrut the Lame · Post by **Hrut the Lame** » Thu Feb 01, 2001 11:29 pm

Dunno what it is, but I'm gonna print those babies out & hang 'em on the wall(s).

Alcyoneus · Post by **Alcyoneus** » Sat Feb 03, 2001 4:28 am

I thought that they might be shovels at first, but then I thought that they made sure they had only one side for a reason. An odd axe/shovel combo tool that you could sort of dig with, but chop your buddy with too? With a regular shovel, I'm going to hit you with the flat, or the point.

Brodir · Post by **Brodir** » Sun Feb 04, 2001 1:50 am

http://www.regia.org/images/Pit%20Clamp.jpg

One interpretation...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Feb 12, 2001 3:04 pm

Actually what I take as shovel representations are on panel 24 to the left. They can be seen holding little round bits of dirt and rock. Now, to my way of thinking, why would shovels not be depicted in a uniform manner? In panel 23, two fellows seem to be bludgeoning one another with this same item. I do believe it to be the item fetured in the link to regia.org, whatever the hell that thing is

.

[This message has been edited by The Warrior's Mark (edited 02-12-2001).]

Forj · Post by **Forj** » Mon Feb 12, 2001 5:57 pm

Actually, if you look at one of the "shovels" on panel 24, it looks very similar to the two being used as weapons on panel 23...and if you envision a curved shovel, then turn it on its side, then they are indeed hitting each other with the flats...you're seeing the shovels from the side...

bran vo lough derg · Post by **bran vo lough derg** » Mon Feb 12, 2001 9:48 pm

hmmmm lets see , the two guys with bad haircuts near the end of panel 23;
according to my lady it looks like two bards dueling with thier lutes(sp),
or.. they are combing eachouthers hair with long handled horse brushes.
I think that they are reshaping thier skulls so that thier pointy helms will fit better.

Ned Chaney · Post by **Ned Chaney** » Thu Feb 15, 2001 11:20 pm

shovels!! definatley shovels! that was my first thought before I read any of the other posts. BTW....VERY cool site!! IT's the first time I've ever seen the whole tapestry. Thanks for posting it!!

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They call me Ned

Harold the Bear · Post by **Harold the Bear** » Tue Feb 20, 2001 3:00 pm

I'm gonna make a Boffer weapon like a shovel and use it and i can say it was period :^)

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HtB