> Our initial thoughts that a bark shield would be too fragile for use in battle were turned on their head by our experimental work which showed that the shield could stand up to heavy impacts, including protecting from arrows. A bark shield, although not as strong as a solid wood or metal shield, is much lighter, allowing for speed and movement.

I'd like to know more about this. I find it hard to believe that a bark shield could provide significant protection against iron weapons, which is not to say that I don't believe it, but I would certainly like to understand how.