What is kite shield?

Here's some information about kite shields, formatted in Markdown:

Kite Shield

The kite shield was a type of shield popular in Europe from the 10th to the 13th centuries. It's characterized by its elongated, teardrop shape, wider at the top to protect the shoulder and tapering down to cover the leg.

• Design and Purpose: Its length provided protection for most of the body, including the leg, before improvements in full leg armor made it less necessary. The tapered bottom allowed for greater freedom of movement, especially for mounted knights.
• Usage: Principally used by cavalry, the kite shield allowed a rider to better defend themselves against infantry attacks. It could be carried on the arm using straps, or hung around the neck when not actively in use.
• Materials: Typically made of wood reinforced with leather and metal bands for greater durability, a <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/kite%20shield%20boss" >boss</a> (a central metal stud or plate) was often added for added protection against impacts.
• Transition: As armor technology improved, particularly the development of full plate armor, the kite shield gradually gave way to smaller shields like the heater shield, which offered similar protection but were easier to maneuver in close combat.