The Sipar | |
| The Sipar in Persia or the Dhal in India was a buckler used by archers. It was strapped to the bowhand. The two handstraps are loosely attached to the shield by four rings on posts riveted through the body, to bosses on the outside. A pad lies between the posts and when the straps are clenched in the fist the sipar is tightened against the back of the hand securely and automatically, the pad acting as a cushion. Some larger sipar featured a third strap near the rim which was wrapped around the forearm. Usually small shields were used to parry. They could even be used to attack by punching. The Sipar may also have been used as an arrow guide for short arrows that do not reach the bowlimb when the bow is fully drawn. | |
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Sipar.. Gold/Silver/Niello on a bronze base with bronze bosses. 8 1/2 inches in diametre with deep dishing. Part of the Kearney Collection. |  |
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Sipar.. Brass bosses on an iron base with iron edging. 10 inches in diametre with shallow dishing. Part of the Kearney Collection. |  |
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Sipar.. Leather with bronze bosses. 10 1/2 inches in diametre with deep dishing. Poor condition, painted decoration worn away. Leather is about three eights of an inch thick. Part of the Kearney Collection. |  |
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Sipar.. Leather with copper bosses. 12 inches in diametre with deep dishing. Fair condition, painted decoration worn away. Leather is about half an inch thick. Part of the Kearney Collection. |  |
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Sipar.. Gold/Silver/Niello on a bronze base with bronze bosses. 8 1/2 inches in diametre with deep dishing. Part of the Kearney Collection. |  |
| Sipars were usually richly decorated with animal or plant motifs. | |
