Scutum straps

[Robert Vermaat]

I am sure i have seen this arrangement depicted elsewhere too. I expect Robert can shed more light on this.

Would if I could (I take it you mean me ), but that another of those looong discussions. So far no archaeological evidence, all central grips. Which makes it
a) difficult to understand how a standard bearer carries his pole as well as a shield (or insome cases, a soldier holding several javelins) and
b) why some artistic evidence (as you rematked) seems to show some sort of forearm strap. But maybe that's just more archaic stuff we seem to find in Roman art?

Frankly, I'm not sure on this one. It seems practical (trap!) but only slight artistic pictorial evidence exists, if at all.