Medieval Helmet

[fishguy]

Taking nothing away from the tremendous work displayed here, it seems the discussion of whether (or to what extent) leather armor was used in war in the medieval period comes up from time to time.

I'd like to offer the following link to the Met, which shows examples of surviving horse armor out of cuirbouli and makes a pretty definitive statement that "the use of hardened leather defenses was once more widespread than assumed." http://www.metmuseum...art/26.235.1-.3

The Metropolitan Museum of Art would seem to be a fairly reliable source.

Interesting that it was apparently coated with gesso before painting. Gesso is basically white primer that is laid down on surfaces to prepare them for painting, it was used under pretty much all the historical paintings you have seen. Old style was rabbit hide glue with chalk in it, the new stuff is mostly acrylic (though you can get the old stuff). That would be one way to get strong colors, especially white, on leather.

[Tinneal]

I want to make one of those, but I have no idea what I would do with it! Wear it to my beef production class, maybe?

[douglais]

You want to start a stampede?

I want to make one of those, but I have no idea what I would do with it! Wear it to my beef production class, maybe?

[Tinneal]

Ha! Unfortunately we only get to interact with real cattle about once a month. The rest of the time is just paper and lectures and videos. But there are plenty of herds back home!