Symbol of flexibility, intelligence and regeneration. As a creature of water, the symbolism of the octopus relates to the psyche, emotion and intuition. The shield, aspis in Greek, was carried by Greek infantry of various periods and is often referred to as a hoplon. 

A hoplite was the most common type of heavily armed foot-soldier in ancient Greece from the 7th to 4th centuries BCE, and most ordinary citizens of Greek city-states with sufficient means were expected to equip and make themselves available for the role when necessary. Hoplites were instrumental in Greek warfare and the victories of Greek armies over Persia at the battle of Marathon (490 BCE) and the battle of Plataea (479 BCE) during the Greco-Persian Wars. 

All our bronze items, are cast in Greece, using the traditional 'lost wax' method. As nothing is mass-produced, there will inevitably be slight variations in patination and colouring. Each piece is, therefore, unique.(25-633-B)