07-19-2019, 05:55 PM
I've stopped this project, because I now feel that the spolas was likely made from layers of leather, perhaps water-hardened, instead of oiled and waxed hides.. Rawhide is still too susceptible to moisture, even wrinkling with humidity in the air, though it could be used for scale armour if sealed properly. I am going to suggest something controversial.. I suspect that the white color seen on what could be spolioi in depictions might actually be lead white ground in oil. Here's why: The other white pigments available at the time are too powdery --they would crumble right off the leather, and they don't have the covering power of white lead, as well as being extremely susceptible to moisture. Painted designs wouldn't adhere properly etc.
Qui sepeliunt capita sua in terra, deos volantes non videbunt.
--Flavius Flav
