Hauberk
Unknown Artist
c. 1400–1450
Medium
steel and brass rings, riveted with modern buckles and straps
Dimensions
l. 76.2 cm · sleeves: l. 43.2 cm
Classification
Arms and Armor
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of John L. Severance
Accession Number
1923.1120
About this artwork
Mail armor was the predominant form of metal body defense for European knights until about 1350. The term derives from the Old French word maille (mesh), implying a protective textile. Each mail garment was constructed of small linked metal rings and "woven" for a specific part of the body. Mail for the torso is a hauberk and typically reached mid-thigh.