This is a recreation of a Greek hoplite shield from the Persian War era (500-450 BC). I built this as a gift for my friend to be used for historical reenactment. He intends to represent a hoplite from the polis of Aegina. Turtle (and later, tortoise) images were often associated with Aegina.

This shield (aspis) is made from birch, covered with fabric, with the arm band (porpax) being made from pine. Metal hardware is made from brass (the originals would have been made in bronze) and reliefs decorated by hand. Cord and grip made from jute.

I drew inspiration for this shield from a coin from Aegina and a pottery design featuring a turtle blazon.

Diameter: 36″ (91.4cm)
Weight: 14.5lbs (6.5kg)