12-28-2007, 11:52 PM
Is the vatican shield a shield that was used in combat though? if it was purely ceremonial then there is no reason it wouldn't be from one piece, a ceremonial shield would surely not have the same need for conservation of wood as a soldier's shield would.
As for laminated, that's just how i constructed my shield. an aspis made of a single layer of planks would perhaps be an authentic construction method, not laminated, yet nor a single piece which i would have thought more impractical as for one the direction of the grain means the wood is easier to penetrate and split.
Also as for the lathe example; an aspis made of steamed planks of a single layer, would still require some carving, most of all the rim. a lathe would be perfect for this, and perhaps aristophanes refers to a man who makes the lyre and shield bowls, bowl shaped, since a planked shield would be uneven when assembled and needs to be shaved down.
either way, no offense to those who use the plywood shields, but i personally think that the planking method would provide a 'more'* authentic design that is also easier and cheaper to produce for reenactment.
*more as in you may be right about the single piece shields authenticity, but you said yourself laminated shields were not till later, i assume you know what plywood is? :wink:
As for laminated, that's just how i constructed my shield. an aspis made of a single layer of planks would perhaps be an authentic construction method, not laminated, yet nor a single piece which i would have thought more impractical as for one the direction of the grain means the wood is easier to penetrate and split.
Also as for the lathe example; an aspis made of steamed planks of a single layer, would still require some carving, most of all the rim. a lathe would be perfect for this, and perhaps aristophanes refers to a man who makes the lyre and shield bowls, bowl shaped, since a planked shield would be uneven when assembled and needs to be shaved down.
either way, no offense to those who use the plywood shields, but i personally think that the planking method would provide a 'more'* authentic design that is also easier and cheaper to produce for reenactment.
*more as in you may be right about the single piece shields authenticity, but you said yourself laminated shields were not till later, i assume you know what plywood is? :wink:
Malcolm H
- Ex Norman reenactor, archaeologist, love reconstruction experiments. Bit of a Jack of everything really.
- Ex Norman reenactor, archaeologist, love reconstruction experiments. Bit of a Jack of everything really.