1st C apron attachment peculiarity?

[Tarbicus]

What's obvious is that there is a solid top portion to the apron, with the diamond pattern (leather stitching or metal embossing? - another thread's worth)..

POCKETS!!!?? At the top of the apron, secured by the belt's tightness. A very clever way to stash your purse, money or wax tablet, which would explain the alignment of the rectangular objects, whether the same size or smaller.

I'm making one.