Mempo

Mempo (Japanese面 頬) was a part of the warrior armor ( Yoroi ) in ancient Japan.

Description

It was a leather or iron half mask, which was worn for Kabuto. She covered the entire face of the wearer below the eyes and had lamellae ( yodare kake ), which also protected the neck from attack. The mask was often painted colored and artistically designed so that they resembled a face, often a distorted grimace, sometimes women or animals. Many Mempo were even provided with " beards " of glued hair.

Versions

Mengu ( facial armor) are available in various versions. They can be designed so that they protect as above ( photo) the face from the nose to the chin, only protect the chin or the entire face, but also so that they protect only the forehead and cheeks.

• Mempo. It protects the face, including the chin, mouth and nose. Eyes and forehead remain free.
• Happuri. Only the cheeks and forehead are protected. Nose, mouth and chin remain free.
• Hōate. Chin and cheeks are protected. Mouth, nose and forehead remain free.
• Hanbo. The chin is completely protected, the cheeks part. Nose, mouth and forehead remain free.
• Somen. The entire face is protected.