This Highland targe draws inspiration from 17th-century examples associated with Castle Grant, the ancestral seat of Clan Grant in Scotland. It reflects a period when the targe was not only a battlefield necessity but also an expression of clan identity and craftsmanship.
Castle Grant itself is historically linked to the powerful Grant family, whose lineage stretches back to the medieval period and who were active participants in the shifting political landscape of Scotland from the late 13th century onward. Shields of this type would have been used by Highland warriors during clan conflicts as well as in larger national struggles.
The design features a wooden core covered in richly tooled leather, decorated with intricate Celtic knotwork patterns and reinforced with brass studs arranged in geometric symmetry. The central boss provides both protection and offensive capability, consistent with historical use.
Original targes of this style survive in collections such as the National Museum of Scotland and other UK holdings, where they are recognized as important examples of Highland martial culture and decorative leatherwork.
Each piece reflects the individuality of handcrafted leather, where slight variations in finish and tooling echo the character of historical originals.
