Near East, Indo-Persian, ca. 17th to 19th century. An impressive section of chainmail armor for foot protection, comprised of hundreds of links. There are two different shapes of links used in this piece: simple circular links and a special type known as theta or bar links. The theta links are circular with a bar down the center to divide the link in two. The chainmail is then constructed so that each theta link is only connected to four circular links. The theta bar construction offered better protection against arrow projectile points. Chainmail for the feet likely hindered movement and may have been reserved for riders; on horseback, the feet were at the perfect level for cutting, making chainmail or sabatons necessary. This is an interesting example of how simple changes in chainmail links could offer superior protection. Size: 9" L x 3" W x 4.5" H (22.9 cm x 7.6 cm x 11.4 cm); 10.5" H (26.7 cm) on included custom stand.

According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's curatorial staff, "Despite the modernization of Iran's military in the nineteenth century, traditional armor continued to be manufactured. Its purpose, however, is uncertain: for military parades, as costume for religious or historical plays, or as romantic souvenirs for the tourist trade." (description of helmet with chainmail - accession number 96.5.125)

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection

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#164742

Losses to links on peripheries and some links are not connected to every surrounding link, so a few are slightly loose. Red patina and oxidation on links. Displayed on a custom stand as shown.