w01U

that a stuffed pad was nailed on to protect at least the fist and possibly the forearm, as seen on surviving i3th-century shields. The guige strap was probably provided with a buckie to adjust the length, though these are rarely seen in art. Some brases may also have been adjustable.

The iron, bronze or brass boss was a throwback to the circular shield but as it was no longer in a central

position the shield was held by straps, relegating the boss to a decorative role. As a fashion it lasted into the i3th century. The rivet heads would be seen on the inside of the shield unless covered by the pad. Some shields might have been entirely covered on the inside by parchment or even leather. The rivet heads of the straps would be seen on the outer face. The boss might be used to form a decorative design with

		SSjfil |/	iw
	i i

‘Davidand Goliath’and ‘The Dea th of A bsolom ’ from the Winchester Bibie depicts mailed men whose hands are completely covered to form mufflers. The horse atlo w er left has a cloth laid over the saddle, provided with slits to pass over the aręons. (Pierpont Morgan Libr ary, M. 6ię v.)

55