The Pelta

Filler motifs
In Olympia the motif also appears in a square-shaped corner of a swastika
meander pattern. The peltae have pointed endings, are alternatively green
or red and surrounded by a white contour line. On the same mosaic are two
more motifs made up of four peltae. Both the form and layout of the peltae
would appear to be unique in Greece. It may have been an invention by the
artist. A circle with a cruciform is contained within a square-shaped area of
the meander frame. In each of the trapezes between the cruciform “leaves” is
an outward-facing pelta. Its apex is greatly thickened, while the outer endings
curve inwards (mushroom form). In another area four peltae with triangular
middle endings face one another. Again here the handles curve inwards and
form a small volute.
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