Samurai Helmet
The helemt
was the most important item of protection for a warrior
since the head was a target and a blow could easily kill or disable. The
samurai helmets wer made of iron gores riveted together with a ridge at
the joints. This gave resistance to the cut of a sword while allowing the
helmet to remain lightweight. To give ventilation and prevent overheating
at the top of the helmet was a chrysanthemum shaped opening. Often masks,
such as the one on the right, were manufactuted independent of the helmet.
These were in the form of fierce animals, or demons , to inspire fear.
Source: New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. Two samurai
helemts. On the right, a kabuto or helmet, from the Monoyama period (late
16th cenyury) made of iron, lacquer and silk with a wild boar as an insignia.
(Bashford Dean 14.100.143) On the left, yoroi, from the late Kamekura period,
made of iron with horn-like ornament and a mask made to resemble a mythical
winged being called tengu. (Fletcher 28.60.1). Photographs by Bill Rednour