Archive for the ‘Helmets’ Category

29
Mar

Reliving the Feudal Wars of the Japanese Warlords

   Posted by: Dungeon Knight

People from all over the world are clearly fascinated by the Japanese psyche and culture. Is this perhaps the result of their participation during the Second World War? This may not necessarily be the case as the fascination transcends the war torn generation and has descended upon the new generation. Their addiction is for Japanese stories of war in the ancient eras when the feudal system was still strong and warlords fought against each other in a bid to expand their territory and power.

 

Clearly some people have nurtured a passion for this interest by dressing up in accordance with the period, complete with kabutos or samurai helmets as well as fantasy swords. They learn how to fight as in ancient times, without concern that modern weaponry has all but rendered swords obsolete. The romance of tradition and honor certainly draws a crowd. Fighting in those times required real bravery. Many people of various ages come to costume plays to pretend a fight and experience, albeit in a much lesser degree of vitality, the feelings within a warrior’s heart as he continues the fight despite overwhelming odds.

 

During costume or cosplay, each player dresses to the hilt, some even bearing the crest of Takeda Shingen Kabuto & Mempo, one of the most powerful clans during that time. Players from teams, with at least two warriors acting as the”hachi” and “shikoro”, to protect the crown’s head and neck, respectively. The sharp samurai sword makes it an exciting game, as even replicas are made of real metal that could hurt, if not kill.

thumbnail dknight 30038612598177324b174b0473bcf Honoring an Era through Authentic and Good Quality CostumesThe reign of the Vikings was an era of both action and romance. This is probably why many people choose to relive it. Luckily, modern technology allows anyone to conveniently purchase specialized Viking helmets and even swords online. Clearly, the market exists because many like-minded people choose to escape from the drudges of daily life by slipping into a parallel Viking world full of excitement and romance. 

 

Let the old era reign as you clothe yourself in what was then known as traditional dress – heavy metal armor and Viking helmets. In this day and age, an embossed Viking helmet such as this is still available to crown the worthy Viking warrior to win the day’s challenge. The details around as well as across the crown area extend elegantly down to the nose guard.  Even the cheek plates are embossed with a similar design.

                                           

Actually, the Vikings have been known for their distinctive style of dressing as well as pirate activities during the early Eleventh Century when pirates did not even yet exist as we know them. One could call them pioneers in the looting business but in an honorable way. Surprisingly, they adhere to a strict code of conduct despite their unusual occupation.

 

This embossed Viking helmet is elegant enough to reflect the glory of those times. During cosplays or at Viking conventions, this new costume will probably stand out. The authentic feel of a well-crafted design and superior materials will likely draw fellow enthusiasts’ attentions to your incredible find.  Grab the opportunity to meet new friends who are as passionate about Vikings as you are!

thumbnail AH208212598176684b174ac41b084 The Great Age of the SamuraiFeuding warlords trying to take over each province; a great array of loyal warriors ready to give their lives for their respective lords; a land filled with chaos yet hasn’t lost its respect for culture and traditions. That is the Land of the Rising Sun at its feudal ages.

 

The Great Age of the Samurais would not be as it is without its splendid work of art. A common expression is bravery. It is widely seen on their most famous warriors – the samurais. Everything they wear or wield from head to toe is a masterpiece.

 

Samurai helmets called “kabuto” is also a name for a bug with impenetrable defense. The great defense of the bug is represented by the “kabuto” in many ways. It is made up of three to over a hundred metal plates, riveted together. The “hachi” protects the crown of the head and the “shikoro” protects the neck. Very often, the kabuto also contains the logo or the crest of the clan. One of the famous crests is on the great Takeda Shingen Kabuto & Mempo, worn by the great warlord Takeda Shingen.

 

The most renowned weapon of the time is the samurai swords. The Japanese sword called “katana” is made by folding pieces of metal numerously and polishing it to become the greatest weapon of that era. Unlike other swords made using a mold or other types of forging, the katana is very durable and deadly. Each sword is a military innovation at that time and also a great work of art. It is of high value amongst all of the samurai’s belongings. They even give each sword a name. It is comparable to fantasy swords wielded by some fantasy characters.

thumbnail AH6306 The Gallic Idea of Head ProtectionThe Imperial Gallic ‘A’ is the third in the line of Roman helmets. Dungeon Knight offers a replica, the Imperial Gallic ‘A’ New, that rivals only the authentic helmets worn by warriors  together with their swords hundreds of years ago.

 

Historically speaking, the Imperial Gallic ‘A’ was not the traditional helmet worn by Romans. Instead, the design was derived from the helmets used by the Gauls. The Gauls have lived in the ancient regions of Western Europe which now includes some parts of Northern Italy, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. They are mostly associated to the ascendants of the French populace.

 

It is easy to determine the difference between a regular Roman helmet and the Imperial Gallic ‘A’. The latter has more elaborate design. If you will notice, the eyebrows on the helmet are more embossed compared to that of the earlier Roman helmets. Another difference is the ridged extension found at the back which is supposed to guard the neck. Clearly, the Imperial Gallic ‘A’ has been intuitively designed to protect the warrior’s head in whichever side. Gallic smiths are known as some of the ancient world’s source of the most innovative construction and design. The Romans were able to take advantage of such in military tradition which has paid off right away.

 

Now we can marvel in the same exquisite craftsmanship with the Imperial Gallic ‘A’ New replica found over at Dungeon Knight. It may not be the original helmet but it sure is a very accurate representation that only deserves a space in our collection. Who knows, in a few years time, you might be able to afford an authentic Roman helmet for your private collection.