Armor of Mail
The design of Indian armor was influenced by combat style, cultural inclinations, and significantly also by local climate. Due to the heat and humidity common to the region, light and flexible mail and padded armor were favored in contrast to heavy and closed body armor of the kind found in Europe. Mail armor would typically have been available only for warriors of a certain rank and affluence. The intricacy and workmanship of this example demonstrate the skill of the armorer, and indicate it would have been manufactured for a combatant of note.
Artwork Details
- Title: Armor of Mail
- Date: 16th–17th century
- Culture: Indian
- Medium: Steel, textile, brass
- Dimensions: H. 66 1/8 in. (168 cm)
- Classification: Mail
- Credit Line: Purchase, Laird Landmann and Kathleen Kinney Gift, 2023
- Object Number: 2023.131a–c
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Indian, Sindh (now Pakistan)
late 18th–first half of the 19th century
Indian, Mughal
1605–27
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blade, 18th–19th century; guard and decoration on blade, 19th century; grip, 18th century
grip, Indian; guard, scabbard, and decoration on blade, Turkish; blade, Iranian
grip, 18th or 19th century; guard and scabbard, 19th century; blade, dated A.H. 1099/1688 CE; decoration on blade, 19th century
Khooshal Dhunjee & Sons
ca. 1875
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