A guige (
/ɡiːʒ/,
/ɡiːd͡ʒ/) is a long
strap
A strap, sometimes also called strop, is an elongated wikt:flap, flap or ribbon, usually of leather or other flexible materials.
Thin straps are used as part of clothing or baggage, or bedding such as a sleeping bag. See for example spaghetti s ...
, typically made of
leather
Leather is a strong, flexible and durable material obtained from the tanning, or chemical treatment, of animal skins and hides to prevent decay. The most common leathers come from cattle, sheep, goats, equine animals, buffalo, pigs and hogs, ...
, used to hang a
shield
A shield is a piece of personal armour held in the hand, which may or may not be strapped to the wrist or forearm. Shields are used to intercept specific attacks, whether from close-ranged weaponry or projectiles such as arrows, by means of a ...
on the shoulder or neck when not in use. Used in combat, it freed a soldier to use a weapon requiring two hands without discarding the shield; the shield could then be easily retrieved when needed.
Some guiges had a buckle to adjust the length. A guige could be attached to the shield anywhere along its rim, and could run horizontally, vertically, or diagonally across the diameter of the shield.
Most information about the usage of guiges comes from various Medieval works of art, such as the
Bayeux Tapestry. Frequently in heraldry shields are depicted hanging from guige straps.
See also
*
Enarmes
Enarmes are the leather gripping straps attached to the back of shields throughout the Medieval period.
Enarmes were held in place by riveting through the leather and the facing of the shield, and reinforced with small, square-cut washers. Enarm ...
References
Medieval shields
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