Sophia Adams, curator of the European Iron Age and Roman Conquest collection at the British Museum, provides insights into the intricate process of recreating an Iron Age bark shield discovered in Leicestershire. This artifact is unique, as it is the only known bark shield from this period in Europe, potentially even the world. Adams collaborates with a team of specialists, each contributing their expertise in fields like bark working and Iron Age technology, to faithfully reconstruct the shield. Iron Age Europe: 2000 Years Of Change Rolls Across The Continent First Bark Shield Uncovered in England is Changing Celtic History The initial step involved selecting and harvesting suitable bark from willow trees, which required careful consideration of factors like bark fissuring and tree health. By peeling the bark off using specific tools and methods, the team ensured minimal damage to the tree, observing how it healed over the subsequent three years. Crafting the shield involved shaping the bark and understanding its properties. The process included removing unnecessary layers and focusing on the bast fiber layer for strength. The team used traditional woodworking techniques, such as tying and stitching, to bind the bark and maintain its shape. Hazel rods and Black Thorn thorns were employed to reinforce the structure. Read moreSection: ArtifactsAncient TechnologyNewsVideosRead Later