|
Scutum Tegimen
Last Updated: 3-15-08
Galea, Lorica: Segmentata, Lorica: Hamata, Tunica, Subarmalis, Balteus, Gladius, Pugio, Caligae, Marching Pack, Tools, Cold Weather Gear
The scutum tegimen refers to the leather cover the was put over the sheild when the legion marched from location to location.
This cover was important because it protected the design on the sheild. The design on the sheild was milk based and
would easily run if water got on it.
The leather will can be one (1) to two (2) ounce in thickness. It can be goat or calf leather. If you make
it out of goat leather you may have to get two or three peices because of the size. The cow hide you may be able to
use one piece but most historical finds have been two peices.
The umbo or sheild boss was covered by its own peice of leather. This was not a complete circle as you may thick,
it was three-quarters (3/4) of a circle. This was so that rinkles would not form in the leather for water to get in.
Once you have sewn up the umbo cover (it should look like a cone) soak it in water or neatsfoot oil. Then place
a plastic bag over the umbo (to help prevent rust) and slide the cone on the umbo. This will force the cone to bend
and take the shape of the umbo. Let the cone dry in place (at least twelve (12) hours) and you are finished.
The edges of the leather are turned back behind the scutum about three quarters (3/4) to an inch (1"). The leather
is then folded over to create a casing for a string/cord to hold the cover tight on the sheild. You can thread the string/cord
through the casing, but will take some time! If you are an experienced in leather craft you might be able to sew the
the leather around the string/cord and save a lot of time!
On finds of scutum tegimen the corners have been rounded off not square with exposed lacing. This will cause some
problems with the leather so make sure you oil your leather. Work and flexing the leather may also help here as well.
The string/cord need to hand out so that the tegimen can be tightened around the scutum and loosen to uncover the sheild
for battle. You can do this in one central location or in multiple locations. Some re-enactors have done two in
the middle of the sides and tied them to the handle for extra strength. This may also be needed to make sure the top
and bottom of the tegimen doesn't flop off the sheild.
At the top of the tegimen, the part that will touch the ground, you may want to add a reinforcing strip. On many
of the orginals extra leather peices have been sewn on in areas of heavy use.
The design on the tegimen could and can take many forms. A number of historical finds have been based on an open-work, table-shaped
applique design. Designs would include the units designation, or symbol. The cover to the left features the Legio
VI symbol, the Roman shewolf and twins. While, for obvious reasons, no colored fabric has been found but here it is
added to contrast with the leather.
There can also be two (2) to four (4) strips hanging from the bottom of the design. While we do not know the function
of these strips we think it may have been to fold up the tegimen when not in use or to hold a cloak or blanket when marching.
Here are instructions, with pics, on how to make a tegimen by a member of Legio VI Victrix out in California. Florentius
Suppliers:
Soul of the Warrior makes a great and authentic sheild cover. They are able to work with any size sheild and with any legio design.
Matt Luke is also a good source for a sheild cover. Matt can be contacted through the marketplace section of RAT.
|
