After looking through the Bayeux tapestry I noticed that many of the Norman and Saxon warriors and knights bare a similar design on their shields. It appears that a swirled style cross was a very popular insignia or design used as a form of early Heraldry. At times this oddly shaped cross appears to be accompanied with irregular circular markings of varying numbers. Does anybody have any info regarding the significance of this swirled cross design and do the circular objects have any meaning as well?

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Thank you.

Circles at centre of crosses, probably bosses. Other circles may be indications of rivet/clench nail heads for the varying patterns of strapping that appears on the backs of such shields. IIRC there are also birds/beasts shown, something a bit tree like and at least one case of some strange triangles arrranged along one edge. Whether they are proto-heraldry or just patterns for fun .... ???