hair outwards, like the λanov of the Greeks, sometimes strengthened by one or more rims of metal *, and studded with nails or metal pins; the inner part being probably wicker-work †, or a wooden frame, like many of those used by the Greeks and Romans, which were also covered with hide. +

The form of the Egyptian shield was similar to the ordinary funereal tablets § found in the tombs, circular at the summit and squared at the base, frequently with a slight increase or swell towards the top; and near the upper part of the outer surface was a circular cavity in lieu of a boss.

Those of their enemies were in many instances wicker, and not covered with any hide. Conf. Virg. Æn. vii. 632.:

That of Ajax had seven folds, that of Achilles nine folds, of bull's hide.

§ They probably borrowed their form from the shield, owing, perhaps, to a military custom of making the shield a monument in honour of a deceased soldier.

This cavity was deeper at the sides than at its centre, where it rose nearly to a level with the face of the shield; but there is great difficulty in ascertaining for what purpose it was intended, nor does its appearance indicate either an offensive or defensive use. To the inside of the shield was attached a thong*, by which they suspended it upon their shoulders; and an instance occurs of a shield so supported, which is concave within, and, what is singular, the artist has shown a knowledge

“ Ιδρώσει μεν του τελαμων αμφι στηθεσσιν

Ασπιδος αμφιβροτης. Hom. II. 6, 388.

“ Τη ρα δυω τελαμωνε περι στήθεσσι τετάσθην,

Ητοι ὁ μεν σάκεος, ὁ δε φασγανου αργυροηλου.” Π. 5, 404.

And Il. o, 479.; к, 149.; μ, 400.; y, 334., et alibi.

Thebes

of perspective in his mode of representing it.* Sometimes the handle was so situated that they

20

No. 20. Concave shield. Thebes.

No. 21. Grasping a spear while supporting the shield. Thebes.

might pass their arm through it and grasp a spear: but this may be another mode of representing the shield slung at their back, the handle being frequently fixed in a position which would prevent their holding the spear in that manner; and though instances occur of the horizontal as well as the perpendicular handlet, the latter appears to have been the more usual of the two.

Some of the lighter bucklers were furnished with a wooden bar, placed across the upper part, which was held with the hand; not intended, as in some round Greek shields*, for passing the arm through, while the hand was extended to the thong encircling the cavity of the inside, but solely as a handle; and from their general mode of holding it, we may conclude this bar was sometimes placed longitudinally, an indication of which is even traced in that of fig. 4. They are, however, seldom represented, except at Beni-Hassan, having been either peculiar to certain troops, and employed solely on particular occasions, or confined to foreigners in the pay of Egypt; like those of a

still more unusual appearance figured in the same paintings.*

Some Egyptian shields were of extraordinary dimensions, and varied in form from those generally used, being pointed at the summit, not unlike some Gothic arches; but as we seldom find any instances

No. 24.

Large shields.

E'Sioot.

of them, we may conclude they were rarely of such an unwieldy and cumbrous size. † Indeed, the common Egyptian shield was as large as was consistent with convenience, and if not constructed of light materials, would have been an encumbrance in long marches, or even in the field; and we may

* Vide figs. 10, 11. Wood-cut, No. 23.

+ They are met with in a tomb at E'Sioot (Lycopolis), of very ancient date. To them the description of Tyrtæus would apply:

« Μηρους τε, κνήμας τε κατω, και στέρνα, και ώμους

Ασπιδος ευρείης γαστρι καλυψαμενος.”

And the expression of Virgil,

Clypeique sub orbe teguntur." En. ii. 227.

Conf. Hom. Il. v, 405.; 0, 266.; and p, 128. Ajax' shield, nurɛ

πύργον.