Mail Coat

Description

These arms are typical of a mounted warrior in the "Sudanic" region of Africa (the belt of grasslands just south of the Sahara). This area was heavily influenced by Islam during the Middle Ages, and many Africans converted to the new religion. They also adopted Islamic styles of arms and armor. This mail shirt, small round shield, and conical helmet are all characteristically Islamic, although here adapted to specifically African styles. The cross-hilted sword resembles European types, but in fact derives from the straight-bladed swords used by Arabs during the Middle Ages.