guige straps on shields............

Normaly depicted with kite shields, but were used on Scutum's, ovals and large rounds in antiquity. The guige strap is the long strap usually across the top of the shield. It was used to carry the shield over the shoulder or across the back. We use them for back shields, but back in the day they would use them in frontal combat as well. See the pic below:



You may think that would inhibit movement, but in fact I have heard SCA fighters say it is a good way to ensure you keep your shield close to your body. The strap prevents you from pushing the shield out and exposing your upper chest. You know what I'm talking about. If you keep getting hit in the upper chest, maybe you are pushing your shield out too far. I tend to do it alot. I start out with the shield close but in some movements I tend to forget and push it out too far. A guige strap may be just the thing to force you to keep it close to the body.

Konradr