Figure of 8 shields

caliban66 · Post by **caliban66** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 8:37 am

Hi. After spending three days in Athens, I think that current micenic models, of every supplier, represents figure of 8 shields not that correctly. In the Archaelogical museum, there were many small representations of them, in clay, much more convex that current illustrations and models show. I think that well known representation in micenic wall-paintings don´t represent volume very well, and so actually, artists and modellers represent them very flat. In fact, I think that the central wood beam, with goes from the top to the bottom of the shield, was deeply arc-shaped. This, structuraly speaking, gives much more resilence to impacts with a lighter wood structure, which, considering the size of the shield, makes much sense.
Also, clay models of those shields show a pair of "holes" on both sides of the vertical beam, in the center, behind the "arc", which I think are the anchoring of some kind of bolt or mechanism to increase the tension of the skin, which may change due to weather (as a drum´s skin, I guess).
Has any of you seen those small clay models of figure of eight shields?

Skullzgrinda · Post by **Skullzgrinda** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 10:23 am

I agree with you, caliban66. I think this would create some molding and casting difficulties though, as the shields on the clay figures are not only steeply convex, but are also very deep.

http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/war/Armor/shield8b.jpg

I think many of the minis offer a compromise of accuracy and production practicality rather than error. The deep shields would be very striking though. I am periodocally tempted by the Minoan and Mycenaen armies simply because of their appearance. Well, that and a certain poem. The army as a system is far less interesting to me!

caliban66 · Post by **caliban66** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 11:41 am

So do I, Skullzgrinda. So do I...

CaryGrant · Post by **CaryGrant** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 2:41 am

Skullzgrinda,

You are welcome to use my Mycenaen army at the New Orleans Holiday Tournament in December.

viewtopic.php?t=12029

We can talk more at Wolves from the Sea in a couple of weeks.

Hilton

Skullzgrinda · Post by **Skullzgrinda** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 4:26 am

CaryGrant wrote:Skullzgrinda,

You are welcome to use my Mycenaen army at the New Orleans Holiday Tournament in December.

viewtopic.php?t=12029

We can talk more at Wolves from the Sea in a couple of weeks.

Hilton

Thank you Hilton! I may well take you up on that very kind offer. Fingers crossed for making Wolves from the Sea . . .