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Helmet and Neck Guard

Helmetoriginal: 頭鍪 (Tóumóu). In a military context, this refers to the rigid bowl of the helmet, designed to protect the skull from concussive blows and sharp weapons.
Neck Guardoriginal: 頓項 (Dùnxiàng). Also known as an aventail, this is the protective "skirt" attached to the rim of the helmet. It shields the throat, the nape of the neck, and the shoulders.

The original woodcut illustration (noted in the technical description) shows a helmet typical of the Ming Dynasty. It features a central spire for a plume and a segmented neck guard that allows the wearer to move their head freely while remaining protected. These components were often made of iron plates or reinforced leather.

This section of the Treatise on Armament Technologyoriginal: 武備志 (Wǔbèi Zhì). Compiled by Mao Yuanyi in 1621, this is the most comprehensive military encyclopedia in Chinese history. details the essential Military Suppliesoriginal: 軍資 (Jūnzī). and Equipmentoriginal: 器械 (Qìxiè). required for active service.

The combination of the helmet and neck guard was the standard for both infantry and cavalry. The neck guard was particularly vital; in the chaos of hand-to-hand combat, the gap between the head and the torso armor was a primary target for spears and blades. By "bowing" or draping the protector (the literal meaning of dunxiang), the soldier gained a flexible defense that moved with them.