Strapping a Curved Round Shield

[Sextus Maximus]

This is my version of a Roman Parma Shield that I have been working. I used 1/2 inch Birch and used the design Mathew Amtt made for an Aspis in order to get the curvature of the shield. It is basicaly 26 inches in diameter, 28 including the ridge. The shield at its center is 3 inches deep with the outer a little under one inch. I am trying to figure out the best way to strap and put a handle with this type of shield. The Greek Aspis is strapped to the forearm with the handle on the outer edge. I have considered using a Boss however I am wary about cutting out the middle of the shield and compromising the strength of the shield since that is the most solid part of the shield. I plan on edging it with rawhide so that will reinforce the outer edge pretty well. This is a shield I made to push my wood work abilities and to play with a different type of shield since I mainly use an oval with a boss. Any ideas or observations would be great.

Sextus Aedinius Maximus

[Cedric Adolphus]

There is a how to on the Ask Duke Paul section