Helmet and Neck Guard

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Helmetoriginal: 頭鍪 (Tóumóu). This is a classical term for a combat helmet, used here to denote the sturdy, protective headgear of a soldier. By this period, helmets were typically constructed from several iron plates riveted together or forged from a single piece of steel, often topped with a decorative spire or "finial."

Neck Guardoriginal: 頓項 (Dùnxiàng). Often referred to in Western circles as an "aventail" or "camail," this is the protective skirt attached to the base of the helmet. In the Ming military, these were frequently made of "brigandine"—layers of sturdy fabric with iron plates riveted to the inside, visible only by the rows of metal studs on the exterior.

The illustration provided in this section of the Treatise on Armament Technologyoriginal: 武備志 (Wǔbèi Zhì). Compiled by the scholar-official Mao Yuanyi in 1621, this work is the most comprehensive military encyclopedia in Chinese history. depicts the primary headgear for the Ming soldier.

The HelmetTóumóu serves as the primary defense for the skull, while the Neck GuardDùnxiàng provides flexible protection for the wearer’s throat, ears, and the back of the neck. This specific design features a tall central finial, which was used to display plumes or tassels that could signify a soldier's rank or unit affiliation on a crowded and smoky battlefield. The Neck Guard is divided into sections, typically consisting of three pieces—two side flaps and one rear flap—to allow for the free movement of the head while maintaining constant coverage of the vulnerable neck area.