Monday, July 11, 2011

Free Vintage Clip Art - Gorgeous Heraldic Headgear Ornament

Gorgeous Iron Heraldic Headgear Ornament

Heraldry is the profession of studying or creating coats of arms or heraldic badges relating to the duties and responsibilities of officers of arms.  The practice of heraldry began in the tenth century and arose out of a need to identify soldiers in battle beneath their iron and steel helmets. Soldiers would adorn their shields with patterns and mythological creatures as a way of identifying themselves.

Heraldry is about 900 years old and is still in use today in many cities and towns in Europe.  Personal heraldry is also still used today and there are many societies dedicated to promoting and educating about the subject.

By the mid 12th century coats of arms began to be handed down within families throughout Europe.

From the beginning, heraldry was displayed in many different ways including, paper, wood, embroidery, stained glass, enamel and stonework, flown on banners and carved into family tombs.

Heraldry is a highly developed practice and is regulated by professional officers of arms.



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