01-19-2009, 02:34 AM
To simplify grossly--we don't know what, exactly, was used on the face of shields. The very latest archeology seems to suggest that most shields in the late archaic--the period that interests me--were willow or some such in narrow strips, laminated, and thus had some sort of covering--probably leather or linen. Sorry to be vague, but no one knows, really.
My best guess, though, is that they used layers of linen on the outside, where it would make a strong laminate with a hide glue, and where almost any varnish would seal it and make it waterproof. An interesting further question in what they'd paint it with--my guess is that they used pigment/tempura over a gesso substrate over linen, but that's a GUESS. that's how we make ours in Taxeis Plataea.
I like leather on the inside, though. It's better against your arm and absorbs a little sweat. If you plan to do some marching and perhaps some fighting (come to Marathon, for instance!) than you'll find that leather will earn its keep,a nd pig skin is quite cheap.
Note, however, that despite Hollywood's best efforts, leather before the 18th C. has no shiny side. The "rough" side would be both sides in the processes that most Greeks would have used. It is possible that Athens had vegetable dying for cowhide, but that's not what you want on a shield, anyhow!
Anyway, I'm not the gospel. Other people may chime in with other ideas. but build your shield strongly enough to use--don't make a decorator!
My best guess, though, is that they used layers of linen on the outside, where it would make a strong laminate with a hide glue, and where almost any varnish would seal it and make it waterproof. An interesting further question in what they'd paint it with--my guess is that they used pigment/tempura over a gesso substrate over linen, but that's a GUESS. that's how we make ours in Taxeis Plataea.
I like leather on the inside, though. It's better against your arm and absorbs a little sweat. If you plan to do some marching and perhaps some fighting (come to Marathon, for instance!) than you'll find that leather will earn its keep,a nd pig skin is quite cheap.
Note, however, that despite Hollywood's best efforts, leather before the 18th C. has no shiny side. The "rough" side would be both sides in the processes that most Greeks would have used. It is possible that Athens had vegetable dying for cowhide, but that's not what you want on a shield, anyhow!
Anyway, I'm not the gospel. Other people may chime in with other ideas. but build your shield strongly enough to use--don't make a decorator!
Qui plus fait, miex vault.
