Wednesday 15 February 2017

Ballistic Helmet

Whilst this helmet was sourced from a army surplus store its not really a military helmet as far as I known, its some for reproduction tactical helmet probably used for airsoft or paintball or similar


Its does offer some protection though its not marked as being to any particular standard




Monday 6 February 2017

Underwear for the Head

The Linen Coif is cap that was worn in the medieval period, simple piece of linen formed from a couple panels of fabric tied around the head.

About as basic a cap as you can get.



I also like to think of it as head underwear since it also protects a more expensive hat from coming into contact with your greasy, filthy, flea infested, medieval hair.


Coifs come in many forms, padded for wearing under helmets, chainmail coifs are a form of armour and coifs also became garment worn after the medieval period by nuns.

Saturday 28 January 2017

Cow Pat Hat


This medieval cap is often called a cow pat hat because of its very flat when not on the head.


Made of fabric, its a brim about 5cm wide with the crown made of the same material made oversized  so it falls onto the brim, its then lined and as in this case decorated with feathers




Worn predominantly in Tudor period by peasants through to nobility and by men and women alike.


Same hat on another head

Sunday 22 January 2017

Syriyka Cap

When trying to find out what this was I went through many thoughts on where to start, a winter cap for some Soviet block army, but this lacked insulation so I had 2nd thoughts, so the mask was for something else perhaps it was for desert sand storms, turns out I was near enough on the mark.



This is Soviet Russian Afghan war Syriyka Cap with Face mask or near enough.
Also known as kepka-afganka its made of study cotton



This cap was first used in Syria hence Syrika Cap and as a detachable wind proof mask to protect the neck and face, probably used along with googles.



Thanks DanR for this cap.

Sunday 15 January 2017

Monday 9 January 2017

Turbanator


This is another ex-theatre prop I found it is a turban but as been sewn together to keep its shape, so its what I call a mock turban since you wear it like a hat rather than wrapping around your head.
























Sunday 1 January 2017

Bandana

The Bandana is triangular or square piece of fabric tied around the head mainly for decorative purposes but also serves as a sun screen.


Also known as Kerchief  from handkerchief which it basically is.


Bandana's are usually quite colourful most often red or blue and from paisley pattern fabric and they can be tied around the neck or used to tie the hair back.


 The bandana is often associated with American gang culture, the colour of the bandana identifying particular gang affiliation.