Japanese Shikoro Armor

By Crusader1307

The Shikoro Class of Armor was used in Feudal Japan around the 15th Century. It was also known as “Nape” or Neck Armor, in that it was designed to protect the back and partial sides of a Soldier. Unlike the previously discussed Kabuto Style of Helmets (which were comparable to The European “Pot” Helmet), The Shikoro was a series of plated components used to augment other types of Helmets which did not afford full head protection. Various methods were used to achieve The Shikoro. Either Metal Plates or Bamboo wood was fashioned into various sizes. The were often “under lapped” and connected with lace (cloth) straps on both ends. The process was duplicated until The Shikoro was slightly above the meeting of the back Clavicale. As such they were similar to Segmented Armor. Ease of movement allowed a Soldier to move his head in all directions. The Shikoro was then attached to the rear brim of a Helmet (through holes drilled). Variations of Shikoro Plating showed different patterns used, with some decorated.