Chainmail
Author: Unknown
Origin: Unknown
Dating: 14th-15th century
Material: Iron
Dimensions (cm): 72,5 x 52
Weight: 3410 g
Inv. no.: PD1099
A chainmail assembled through the linkage of metal rings. It does not have the leather or fabric edging that would be found around the neck area.
The practice of interlacing small metal rings, in order to get protection against cutting objects, has accompanied mankind since the 4th century BC. While it once protected the Etruscans and Celts in the battlefield, nowadays it protect butchers from their own knifes or divers from shark bites.
As this object is from the 14th or 15th century, it was used at the peak of its prowess. And although it may seem a fragile mean of protection, it was impervious to most attacks with sharp objects. Being so, in order to injure the wearer of a chainmail, as cutting was not feasible, the objective was to cause bruises or fractures through impact.
