11-01-2006, 10:05 PM
My paenula is pretty much the same dimensions as Graham mentioned.
After several years of frustration at not being able to get it to close or hang in the same way as the sculptural depictions, I decided to dispense with the toggles I had been using and sew up the the front for about a foot below the neck. Since then I have found it warmer and it does seem to appear more like what I see on a number of scultures. The vertical hang of the front Matt mentions is also easier to come close to, although as stated above, the weight of the material does tend to draw both sides slightly apart, forming a narrow triangular gap. The only problem I find with it is that I have to take my helmet off to take the cloak off. Perhaps this an argument in favour of the gradual decline of the paenula in favour of the sagum.
Unfortunately I do not really have a suitable photo to post of my paenula. Those I do have do not really show it in a way which would be particularly useful to this conversation.
Crispvs
After several years of frustration at not being able to get it to close or hang in the same way as the sculptural depictions, I decided to dispense with the toggles I had been using and sew up the the front for about a foot below the neck. Since then I have found it warmer and it does seem to appear more like what I see on a number of scultures. The vertical hang of the front Matt mentions is also easier to come close to, although as stated above, the weight of the material does tend to draw both sides slightly apart, forming a narrow triangular gap. The only problem I find with it is that I have to take my helmet off to take the cloak off. Perhaps this an argument in favour of the gradual decline of the paenula in favour of the sagum.
Unfortunately I do not really have a suitable photo to post of my paenula. Those I do have do not really show it in a way which would be particularly useful to this conversation.
Crispvs
Who is called \'\'Paul\'\' by no-one other than his wife, parents and brothers. :!: <img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_exclaim.gif" alt=":!:" title="Exclamation" />:!:
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<a class="postlink" href="http://www.romanarmy.net">www.romanarmy.net
