Coif

A Coif, colored hood, Coiffe, also Hersenier ( historical: Härsenier ) is a medieval headdress. It was worn by both men of all classes and of children. In general, they had woven from white linen and could be tied under the chin. She also served as protection under one crown or in a lined version under a knight's helmet. The Doge of Venice it was until 1797 part of the official wear.

Use in the knight's armor

The carrying intention was to reduce the pressure of the metal headgear. Also the impact of blows of the sword should be reduced. The head protection was first with a padded cap, the so-called Batvat. Next were placed the Coif, the Bascinet and Hütelin or Hütel. The latter was a felt cap, which was drawn using the Beck hood. Only on these four things, the helmet has been set.

In the 12th century the Coif and the breastplate were united into a single garment. As a kind of breastplate armor shirt was called.

A further development of the Coif, the Coif or tournament hood, which was larger and far more padded. It was worn under the heavy piercing helmets and fastened with leather straps on the helmet.

The ancient name " Härsenier " is to be found in ancient texts: " 'You stroufte in from sîn härsenier " " Sîn härsenier of the he Zock, of twanc heat in starkiu " ".

The mercenaries wore later also covenant hoods, but they were decorated according to the rest of the country servant fashion extremely complex with slits and frills. Some mercenaries wore underneath a steel hood to protect the brain skull.