The boar was accorded considerable respect in pre Christian and Christian times. It was hunted extensively and considered to be a worthy foe. Its ferocity when cornered was particularly admired. Given these traits, it is not too surprisingly that the image of a boar decorated warriors’ weapons and other objects.
Boars (boar heads) were used as charges on many Coats of Arms. Interestingly, a Boar’s Head on a Coat of Arms refers to hospitality. If the complete Boar is depicted, it carries qualities of the boar described in the opening paragraph.
