The Antiquaries Journal

Table of Contents - Volume 88 - 2008  

Research Article

The use of Baleen for Arms, Armour and Heraldic Crests in Medieval Britain

Ralph Moffata1, James Spriggsa2 and Sonia O'Connora3

a1 Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8AG, UK. E-mail: <ralph.moffat@csglasgow.org>.

a2 20 Portland Street, York YO30 7DZ, UK. E-mail: <spriggs.conserve@hotmail.co.uk>.

a3 Department of Archaeological, Geographical and Environmental Sciences, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK. E-mail: <s.oconnor@bradford.ac.uk>.

Abstract

The recent identification of whale baleen from a medieval archaeological context in Perth raises the issue of what uses were made of baleen in the medieval period. This note investigates the military uses to which this unusual material was put.