01-01-2008, 09:46 PM
Quote:Paullus Scipio:33rp14n5 Wrote:Quote:Is this the kite with a rounded or a flat top? The large flat-top seems to come in about the 14th century; the round-top is considerably earlier.
...the original rounded top, that spread rapidly west, to be used by Normans and French.... the flat-topped variety had appeared perhaps as early as 1170-1180 , and is shown for example on a seal of Richard 1 of England....
That's true for Western Europe (and Outremer). Byzantium and the countries in its region of influence (notably Bulgaria and Serbia) seem to have started using big flat-topped kites, as seen slung over the back of the warrior here, about the 14th century. Certainly, that's the earliest I've seen them appear.
Cheers for that guys, the first half of the 14th century was also my thought as well. Might be interesting to have one made though just to see how well they handle as opposed to the normal variety of kite. Nice to see a decent contemporary image of a shield with regards to profile and internal detail
Kuura/Jools Sleap.
\'\'\'\'Let us measure our swords, appraise our blades\'\'\'\' The Kalevala.
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.livinghistory.co.uk/homepages/palacecompany/">http://www.livinghistory.co.uk/homepages/palacecompany/
\'\'\'\'Let us measure our swords, appraise our blades\'\'\'\' The Kalevala.
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.livinghistory.co.uk/homepages/palacecompany/">http://www.livinghistory.co.uk/homepages/palacecompany/