Stay protected!
Discover unusual armors from the musée de l'Armée's collections. Because soldiers also have an eye for detail (that kills).
The original Movember
The armet differs from other helmets due to the fact that it follows the form as closely as possible and outlines the shape of the chin and neck. One of a kind, it is intentionally caricatural.
A good way to entertain the gallery!
I am your father
The kabuto is the traditional helmet of the Japanese armies, mainly worn by the Samurais. Made entirely of lacquered iron, it protects the fighter's head and neck. Frightening and very strong, the kabuto provides great protection!
Did you know that Georges Lucas was inspired by the Kabuto when designing Darth Vador's helmet?
Thigh armor with four mirrors, Indo-Persian workmanship, circa 1650 Front viewMusée de l'Armée - Hôtel des Invalides
Mirror, mirror …
Known as the Indian Four Mirrors Breastplate, in reference to the metal plates that reflect sunlight, this was perfect for dazzling enemy combatants. Ah yes, doing whatever it takes to win!
Beyond its technical qualities, it is the decoration of the breastplate—the inside of which is lined with velvet—that makes it a real work of art.
Suit of armor of a Duke of the Infantado, Germany, circa 1520 Front viewMusée de l'Armée - Hôtel des Invalides
It will all end in tears
Jousting is the most codified practice of the Middle Ages: an equestrian duel where each of the combatants tries to hit their opponent with their lance.
Specially created for jousting, it stands out due to the reinforcement on the left arm, almost forming a shield to protect the most exposed part from the impact of the lance.
This strange metal piece is not a close combat weapon but a breastplate stop: a removable support for wedging the lance horizontally under the armpit, thus reducing the weight to be carried by the fighter.
The head would be fully covered by a helmet, leaving a thin slit through which to see your opponent.
However, this equipment did not stop the King of France, Henry II, from dying after being hit in the eye with splinters from his opponent's broken lance. He didn't see it coming ...
Japanese armor, 17th century Front viewMusée de l'Armée - Hôtel des Invalides
On the house
During the Edo period, which was a period of peace in Japan, it was customary to produce ceremonial armor, which was worn during official ceremonies or offered as a gift to foreign sovereigns.
The helmet is decorated with a Buddhist wheel of the law (dharmachakra). The eight spokes represent the Noble Eightfold Path: the path that puts an end to dissatisfaction and suffering, which ultimately leads to nirvana.
The iron breastplate depicts a Chinese guardian lion with protective powers, traditionally positioned in front of Chinese imperial palaces, imperial tombs and other symbolic sites.
Stirrups or earrings?
This frontal view shows two embossed dragons with golden eyes and all their claws out. They're surrounded by clouds or a raging sea. The details of these abumi-kuchi or Japanese stirrups are pushed inside and decorated with papier maché and mother of pearl.
Designed to intimidate opponents right up to the very the end!
So, where does the trusty steed stand in all of this? Just as vulnerable as its rider on the battlefield, the horse was an easy target of choice, owing to its large size.
Unless they wanted to finish their battle on foot, it was in the horseman's best interests to protect their horse with a metal mask!
Chanfrein pour le « Rennen » Vue de faceMusée de l'Armée - Hôtel des Invalides
Hue cannabis
The most prominent part of the horse's body and thus the most susceptible to injury is the animal's head is covered with a metal mask.
The special characteristics of the latter include a thin layer of metal that covers the horse's eyes almost entirely.
Chanfrein pour le « Rennen » Vue de trois-quartsMusée de l'Armée - Hôtel des Invalides
This mask served two functions, the first of which was naturally to provide better protection for the horse. The second was to reduce visibility, in turn, limiting the possibility of the horse running away or panicking since it would be unaware of the danger.
A story written and edited by the teams of the Army Museum.
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