Single grip aspis

[PMBardunias]

When the peltes are shown held in the forearm like an argive shield,they also have an antilabe. ... The porpax does not allow for central grip of cource,but on the other hand,I've already expressed my doubts that the crossed stipes can serve as central grip.

It seems clear from images of pelta that something doesn't add up. If we take everything at face value then there were two seperate types of crescent shaped pelta, for we see depictions with a porpax which can only be used in a double-grip and also peltae that are gripped in the hand. This is possible, but I think unlikely. Within the "double grip" group we also see some with a porpax like an aspis and some with a pair of straps or a strap and crossed thongs over the forearm. This too is possible, but the crossed straps or ropes are also seen on many depictions of "boeotian shields an seem to have a bracing function beyond aiding the grip. Some have identified the crossing lines as spreaders, stiff rods that hold the shield spread, but often they are clearly rope.

To me the simplest, of course not always the correct, answer is that there was a system that could be held in one hand or along the forearm at need. The double-strap system, to the left and right of the shield's center as seen clearly on that sarcophagus from Cannakkale I posted a while back, can do this. You should try it, you will be suprised how simple it is. The straps do not need to be very long, nor exceedingly far apart. The double strap system is a firmer grip than a single flexible rope-grip, though probably inferior to a single handle.