Helmet and Neck Guard

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Helmet and Neck Guard

Helmetoriginal: 頭鍪 (Tóumóu). A protective head covering. In the Ming Dynasty, these were typically constructed from several iron plates riveted together or forged from a single piece of steel. This term is used interchangeably in military texts with toukui (頭盔).

Neck Guardoriginal: 頓項 (Dùnxiàng). Often referred to in Western military history 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 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 Helmet serves as the primary defense for the skull, while the Neck Guard 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.

As seen in the technical diagram, the neck guard is divided into several flaps to allow the soldier freedom of movement. These flaps rest upon the shoulders, ensuring that there are no gaps in protection when the soldier turns their head or engages in combat. The construction emphasizes a balance between heavy protection and the agility required for tactical maneuvers.