Peltast from an Attic cup.

Peltast depicted on a skyphos circa 440 B.C.E. Many believe that this figure depicted is a Thessalian peltast in Athenian service during the first Peloponnesian War. He bears the crescent pelta complete with the illustration on how it was held. Note that the hand could be freed to grasp additional javelins, while the arm supports the light shield. Compare this dress to the Thrakian peltast (Fig 6) for the obvious influences. (Vienna's Cultural History Museum) 

The Peltast in Classical Greece

Preface and Introduction
What is a Peltast?
Speed and Maneuverability
Equipment and Function
Effectiveness in Battle
Conclusion and Bibliography
Peltasts in Action Diagram (27K)
Peltasts on Attic Amphora (86K)
Peltasts on Attic Cup (73K)