What is battersea shield?

The Battersea shield is an Iron Age artifact found in the River Thames, near Battersea, London, England. It is believed to date back to the 4th century BC, during the Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age period in British history.

The shield is made of bronze and tin with a diameter of 32.5 cm and is elaborately decorated with inlaid silver wires forming a stylized human face in profile, with roundels representing the eyes and ear. The reverse side of the shield is plain with an iron hand-grip.

The shield is considered to be one of the finest examples of Celtic metalwork and is now housed in the British Museum in London, where it has been on display since 1857. It is believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes rather than for actual combat.

The Battersea shield is one of several Celtic shields that have been found in the UK, including the Shield of the Trinity and the Witham Shield.