Kabuto

The iconic helmet

Japanese samurai have been equipped with armor for many centuries, crossing the ages and the changes made in the art of war. One of the most recognizable pieces of this armor is the helmet, called Kabuto, its unique shapes are emblematic of the Land of the Rising Sun.

A helmet with several elements

 

The kabuto first consists of the Hachi, a domed central piece formed from several metal plates forged to each other and pierced with a hole (tehen). At the back, several slats are riveted to form a wide neck guard called a shikoro, which gives the kabuto its fullness. Ear-shaped protections on the sides are called fukigaeshi, as well as a mae-zashi visor completes the protection.

The central ornament, called datemono, can recall the family crest or be a representation of an animal, real or mythical. Thus, kabuto topped with deer horns is quite common.

Kabuto, samurai helmet

Wikipedia

 

Kabuto of different shapes

 

Kabuto, like the rest of Japanese armor, has gone through many changes throughout the country's history, and one can only see the influences of the era in which they were designed. Thus, the oldest kabuto, called mabizashi-tsuke kabuto ("helmet with a visor attached"), has been found to date from the 5th century. They bear witness, by their form, to the significant Chinese and Korean contributions of the time to the archipelago.

 

 

Suji Kabuto

wikimedia commons

kabuto nanban

Wikipedia

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