Early shields featured a wooden boss. I have seen a reproduction of an ancient shield where whole thing - shield, boss and even the handle was cut from a solid block.
In fact, was the boss made separately and attached to the shield? If so, how was it attached - none of the drawing I have seen show any rivets. Can anybody recommend a good source of information on shields with wooden bosses.
I would suspect glue should do the trick, though dowels and nails from the inside would be possible. If the boss is covered with a fabric or leather facing, it will be pretty well fixed in place. Also, there are metal bands that seem designed to cover the central part of a wooden boss. At least I've seen something like it at the RGZM. They would give added stability. Does anyone have the Fayum scutum excavation report handy?
The Fayum scutum contained no metal. If I remember correctly it was two layers of plied wooden strips with a wooden boss and wooden spines above and below this. The whole shield was covered with felt, which was stitched down around the edges of the shield with a double row of stitching. I am not sure how the boss and spines were attached but I would guess either by dowels or glue.
Crispvs
I remember reading somewhere that the Fayum shield had 2 iron rings on the back, presumably for a carrying strap. But if you put me on the spot and demand to know my source, I'd have to do some digging!
Other than that, yeah, what they said! I've been reading a bit about those Bronze Age all-wooden shields, and looking at some logs in my back yard...
Valete,
Matthew/Quintus
I am afraid I must revise my earlier statement. I am now told that the boss and spines were attached with nails.
Crispvs
By the way, welcome back Matthew.