Samurai Yoroi
Medieval Armor Clothing
When one thinks of samurai, the image that comes to mind is almost certainly one of a warrior dressed in the unique armor known as O-Yoroi. This armor combined elements of plate and lacquerred lamellar, and was typically made of a combination of leather and iron. The boxy armor weighed close to sixty-five pounds on average, making the use of a katana nearly impossible; this lead to the use of the spears known as yari being the primary weapon for the majority of medieval Japanese battles. We’ll discuss the various parts of the O-Yoroi, from the headpieces that make them so distinctive to the minor pieces designed to cover the armpits from accurate attacks.
Perhaps the most unique part of O-Yoroi was the unique helmet and mask combination that create the distinctive look of a samurai; the helmet, known as a Kabuto, often was decorated with various family crests, allowing a samurai to proudly display their heritage. The mask, known as a Menpo, transformed the samurai’s face into a terrifying visage, while providing protection to the portion of the face unprotected by the Samurai’s Kabuto helm.
For their torso, a cuirass, known as a Do, worked to protect them. The Do was made up of two parts – a Waidate made of a combination of iron plate uppers and laminated lowers to protect the right side of the body, and another part to protect the rest of the wearer’s torso. In addition to the cuirass, various extra’s could be added to the armor; lamellar shoulder guards known as Osode, and a sleeve made of a combination of fabric and plate known as a Kote to protect the left arm. For their hands, a Yukake, a sort of semi-gauntlet, would protect them.
For lower body protection, samurai wore greaves known as ancient greek armor over fabric leggings known as Habaki. In addition to these primary parts of the O-Yoroi, a samurai could also opt to wear extra pieces of armor, such as the Yodare to protect their neck, or the Kyubi no Ita and Sendan no Ita, plates designed to protect the gaps near the armpits.
The wearing of chain mail and body armor has been an effective means of protection in combat and war for centuries. Its use dates back to the Greeks and early roman empire where warriors and legionnaires donned metal plate and mail armour. The Medieval Armor are most remembered for their elaborate medieval armor and battle shields in brilliant colors. But a knight’s armour was more than protection. It reflected his status and lifestyle. The quality of the armour was as important and the overall look and the battle efficiency. Indeed it was a fashion statement also.
The evolution of chain maile and armour through the Maximilian era was a direct response to improvement in weaponry of the time. As weapons became more sophisticated, so did the thickness of the battle shields and the Medieval Armor of the knight. Most had to not only be effective against attack but also flexible and agile.
The period of plate greek armor runs from about the early 1300′s to about the mid to late 1500′s. During this medieval time period the evolution went from a few pieces of plate to entire suits of highly crafted works of art in metal. Prior to this time, chain mail was the most prevalent and effective type of body armament. Maile weighed about the same as full body plate style. The average weight was about 45 – 55 pounds.
However, a well made suit of plate Medieval Armor was more comfortable to the wearer because it could be more evenly distributed over their body. It was always worn with padding and protective clothing to further protect and insulate from the heat and cold. The mid fourteen century was the period wear knights wore both type of body armour. During this time period, it was difficult for the warrior to get back up on if knocked down due the combined weight of the plate and the maille. By the early fifteenth century, most all body armament was plate as the designs and flexibility improved. A mid sixteenth century knight in full plate armour was surprisingly agile due to proper fit on the wearer.
About the Author
I am Mohan read mathematics at Stanford and remained there for his MS. From 1998-1999 on researched in Evolution and in Animal Behavior in Camrbidge, UK. I was was then a professor in the departments of Anthropology and Biology, New Jersy College, USA. Now teaches at the department of Zoology. Carried out research in several areas of evolutionary biology, particularly in sexual selection and the comparative method.
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