Japanese Horo Cloak

By Crusader1307

While viewed as the “height of fashion” for the Warrior-Class of Samurai, The Horo Cloak also had a practical battlefield application as well. Around 6 feet long, these cloaks were attached to the rear of The Dou (breastplate). A type of light wicker “skeleton” was sewn into the clock. When riding into combat, The Horo would catch air and balloon outward. Creating an air pocket, when enemy arrows were fire, they were caught in this primitive “airbag” (of sorts). Developed as far back at the 11th Century, The Horo was used exclusively by Samurai and Royal messengers.