Back Side of Shield

The back side of this shield shows a plain red quilted padding with a tan backing that shows on the front as an edging. This is likely a replacement but it shows us the type of work done to absorb shock and make the shield more comfortable to use.There is a quilted circular padding that covers the entire back of the shield and is attached with a type of glue. Then there is a smaller thicker padded quilt section that is about the size of the four bosses on the shield that is attached via four eye hooks that are attached via the shield bosses. This additional thicker padding is to provide more shock absorbtion to protect the users hand from injury.There would normally also be two padded gripping straps that are absent in this example. The wires seen in the photo are for displaying the sipar as you would a picture on the wall. One note here is that a central gripping strap on a shield this size.(17.5" daimeter), is primarily to hold the shield in a defensive position against arrows or other missile fire. If you were to hit this shield off center with a sword or spear it would easily plane (rotate ninety degrees), leaving the user vulnerable to the next incoming blow.