Ancient Greek Athenian Shield - Owl of Wisdom Symbol - Marble Base - Meander Motif - Museum Replica - Pure Bronze Sculpture

Item Specifics

Condition: New, Made in Greece.
Material: Pure Bronze
Height: 26 cm - 10,2 inches
Width: 22 cm - 8,7 inches
Length: 8,5 cm - 3,3 inches
Weight: 2900 g

An aspis, sometimes also referred to as an hoplon, was the heavy wooden shield used by the infantry in various periods of ancient Greece.An aspis was deeply dished and made primarily of wood. Some had a thin sheet of bronze on the outer face, often just around the rim. In some periods, the convention was to decorate the shield; in others, it was usually left plain.From the late 5th century BC, Athenian hoplites commonly used the little owl.
Athena’s feathered friend, the owl, represents not only the city but also the concepts of wisdom and prosperity.
"Therefore, having judged that to be happy means to be free, and to be free means to be brave, do not shy away from the risks of war." Perikles (circa 495- 429 BC).
For the people of Ancient Greece, Meander (or Meandros) was thought to symbolize eternity and the undulating flow of human life through reproduction. The unbroken, interlocking pattern turned it into a symbol of both unity and infinity, whereupon it became one of the most important symbols in Ancient Greece.