What object is traditionally held in Orion's left hand according to Greco-Roman iconography?

A shield or the lion's skin

The established artistic representation projected onto the stars consistently assigns the defensive implement to Orion's left hand, which extends toward the lower right of the constellation's main body when viewed from Earth. This item is universally identified as either a shield or the skin of a slain lion. This choice creates a classic mythological pairing of offense (weapon in the right hand) and defense (shield in the left hand), which aligns with the figure being depicted as an active hunter prepared for battle. The structure near this hand is anchored by the star Bellatrix, which marks the left shoulder, reinforcing the assignment of the protective gear to this side.