This shield is decorated with a central wreath of olive, circled by a band of the geometric meander pattern 'meandros' (or greek key design). The olive was associated with the goddess Athena and represented achievement and the meandros symbolised infinity and unity, also thought to represent the labyrinth or maze, and the eternal quest for truth.
Based on the ancient Greek shield, the aspis or hoplon would originally have been made from wood covered in bronze. Measuring approximately 1m in diameter it would not only have protected the bearer, but formed part of the phalanx, the formidable military formation!
bronze shield with olive wreath and Greek meander design
dimensions
Diameter of the shield: 14cmabout the bronze collection
The bronze pieces are cast in Greece using the traditional lost wax method. As nothing is mass-produced, there will inevitably be slight variations in texture, patina, and colour. No two pieces are ever the same. If mounted on a marble base, it will be a black or very dark grey base. There may be a variation of some millimetres in the dimensions of the base from time to time.
It's All Greek is proud to have been working with the Semitekolo family foundry since 1999. It has been a privilege to handle these gorgeous pieces and to sell them to customers all over the world.