By the time of the Republic, Roman umbones had evolved into their own distinct tradition, made of iron, bronze, or brass and taking round, rectangular, or hexagonal shapes depending on period, with the centre of the boss covering the wearer’s hand where it gripped the shield internally. This reproduction recreates that Republican-pattern scutum boss, suited to pairing with our Republican scutum range.
Roman Scutum Boss, Republican Pattern
A boss is a round, convex or conical piece of material fitted at the centre of a shield, historically made of thick metal, though wood was also used. This boss is sized and shaped for the Republican-pattern scutum, matching our AH3877 Republican Scutum and related shields. A functional replacement or spare part for building or maintaining a Roman scutum.
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