Dō-maru

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Dō-maru (胴丸), or "body wrap," was a type of medieval armor which first started to appear in Japan in the 11th Century, as a lower class armor for footsoldiers. Like the O-yoroi style it became more common in the Genpei War at the end of the 12th century.

There were quite a number of similar styles and types of Japanese armor; the dō-maru is particularly defined by the absence of a solid breastplate or sleeves, and that the armor wraps around the body rather than being put on in sections.

Dō-maru were constructed from small scales of leather or metal laced into plates with cord and lacquered. Then each plate where laced together to form the armor. The crucial and primary difference between this and the yoroi armor of higher-ranking samurai was the absence of a solid breastplate. Due to the weight of iron, armories limited its use to the most vital parts of the armor and used leather for the remainder. This armor also differed from the O-yoroi in that it was more form-fitting like a short armored coat, and tied under the right arm instead of around the back for simplicity and ease of use. This is most likely due to the fact that samurai with O-yoroi would have help to put the armor on, while the footsoldier would not. Consequently, the dō-maru was much quicker and simpler to make and to wear. The semi-form-fitting shape with no sleeves allowed footsoldiers much more flexibility and the ability to use a much wider range of weapons.

[edit] External links

• Warrior in Do-Maru Armor an illustrated explanation of Do-Maru armor components

The picture of the Japanese warrior in Do-Maru armor is actually incorrect, the warrior is wearing haramaki-do armor from the 14th-15th century. For better amd more detailed descriptions of Japanese armour, go to Nihon Katchû Seisakuben at http://www.sengokudaimyo.com/katchu/katchu.html