Coat of armour
Damascus, Syria
National Museum of Damascus
About National Museum of Damascus, Damascus
Hegira 7th–8th century / AD 13th–14th century
ع ر 6788
Iron rings woven into a chain-mail.
Height 1.30 m
Mamluk
Probably Damascus, Syria or Cairo, Egypt.
A suit of armour made from iron mail that would cover the body from the head to the knees. It has solid metal plates that cover the neck and the stomach – the latter being much larger in size than the former – to provide additional protection. A number of these chain-mail suits survive, often bearing signs of wear and tear from use in battle. One example reveals evidence of injury received on the left sleeve, where the metal chain is torn through.
The sword shows a curved-edged blade which was popular among Muslim fighters, while the Crusaders preferred straight swords. Decorative features on swords are usually found at the hilt near the handle.
The protective plates of the amour are decorated with geometric designs, a Mamluk blazon, and Arabic writing executed in gold thuluth script. Most of the decoration has worn away and it is possible to read only some of the words. These include: “made for … the exalted … the great … the lord”. From these words it is possible to conclude that this suit belonged to a ruler, military commander, or other high-ranking official.
Mamluk military suits of armour decorated with gilded emblems, such as this one, were worn in battle against the Crusaders.
The blazon and phrases mentioned on the abdominal plate of this suit of armour indicate that it is from the Mamluk period.
Purchased in 1952.
Although this armour is decorated with a Mamluk blazon and was found in Damascus, its provenance is not clear. The Mamluk period saw an increased regional mobility of people and goods, especially military. It was likely produced in Cairo or Damascus, since these were two major regional centres at this time.
Abu al-Faraj al-Ush, M., A Concise Guide to the National Museum of Damascus, Damascus, 1969, p.199.
Cluzan, S. et al (eds), Syrie: Mémoire et Civilisation, Paris, 1994, p.477.
Mona al-Moadin "Coat of armour" in Discover Islamic Art, Museum With No Frontiers, 2025.
https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;sy;Mus01;37;en
MWNF Working Number: SY 60
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