Lorica armhole "flap"

[tlclark]

I tried writing a long response to this, and it just didn't make any sense...

So I made a quick illustration.

Here it is.

http://astro.temple.edu/~tlclark/lorica ... _small.jpg

Basically, all Greek cuirasses have traditional barrel and pin hinges. On the lorica musculata there are no pins, just tight fitting straps (most likely leather since they appear to bend around curves in the seams.) These straps fit through slots that 'pinch' the raised edges together. Exactly how these straps are fastened to the inside, is anybody's guess, I give two possibilities under "cross-sections". I think that the hinge is probably just tied or sewn into a loop on the inside wher it won't get caught.

Incidentally. Nearly all examples (Greek and Roman) have hinges on BOTH sides. This seems mind-boggling until you realize its convenience. It allows you to open it from either side. You just pull the tie or pin and the thing can open on either side.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the kind words about the site too!

Travis