Pavise Shield

The Pavise is a large, square, and convex shield used by archers, crossbowmen, and infantry soldiers. It was usually large enough to cover the entire body. While reloading their weapons, archers and crossbowmen would crouch behind them to shelter against incoming missile attacks.

During a siege, the pavise is often carried by a specialist pavise-bearer, who held it in place or deployed it in the ground with a spike attached to the bottom.

Pavises are often painted with the coat of arms of the town where they were made.