Vietnamese Moc Khien Cavalry Shield

By Crusader1307

Dating from the 12^th Century AD and The Vietnamese Trang Dynasty (1226 AD to 1400 AD), The Moc Khien was specially designed for use by Cavalry Forces. These Shields were made of wood (framed), with layers of dried and cured Buffalo Hide, stretched and dried over the frame. This created a remarkably strong Shield which could withstand Arrow Shot and some slashed from Light Swords. The shape was designed to accommodate a Mounted Soldier. Long and Oval, typically The Khien was 3.5-feet in length with a width of 2.5-feet. They were carried by means of a solid wooden Guige Pole affixed to the interior side of The Shield. A small circular loop made of leather was also set inside next to The Guige. A Soldier ''threaded'' His arm through the Pole and held onto The Loop. This created stability when at the gallop. The Khien could be raised to protect the center mass of the Soldier, and it also provided moderate protection to a Riders thigh.