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A targe is a round shield the Scottish clans and other Celtic tribes used from about 1000 b.c. to around the 18th century. The targe varied in size from about 12 to 30 inches (30.5 to 76 cm). It was generally made of several cowhides, boiled in animal fat and stretched over a solid wood or laminated wicker base. Once dry, it became almost as hard as metal. Originally, the targe was decorated as the maker desired. In time, the targe was designed to denote affiliation with a specific family, clan, or tribe.
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