Jousting Shields

Here we see an old jousting shield. These were used during tournaments between knights and are designed for such. The shield itself is curved outward with a raised rib down the middle, this design was to help deflect the force of an opponent's oncoming lance and send it away from the rider. The notch cut into the top was for the lance allowing a steadier aim with the lance and the ability to keep most of one's body behind the shield while jousting. The shield would be held in the left hand with the lance in the right, the lance was then placed in the notch and aimed forward and to the left.

These shields were often decorated with images referring to it's user to help identify him on the field. The inscription around this one reads: "Just wait, you shall be beaten."
This design is slightly different but follows the same concept, the artwork on the shield represents the Knight who owned it, his colors of yellow and black and possibly the lady he fought for.

Here we see one decorated with three yellow stars, an emblem probably seen on the knight's standard or flag.