Men-yoroi

, also called  or , are various types of facial armour that were worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan.  These include the somen, menpō, hanbo or hanpo, and happuri. 

Description
The men-yoroi, which covered all or part of the face, provided a way to secure the top-heavy kabuto (helmet).  The Shinobi-no-o (chin cord) of the kabuto would be tied under the chin.  Small hooks called ori-kugi or posts called odome located on various places would help secure the chin cord.  The men-yoroi was constructed from iron, leather, or a combination of both.  It had a lacquered or rusted type of finish and included a variety of facial details, such as a moustache, fierce teeth and a detachable nose.  With the exception of the happuri, a men-yoroi had a small hole underneath the chin for sweat drainage. 

Types of men-yoroi

Sōmen
Sōmen covered the entire face. 

Menpō
Menpō covered the face from the nose down to the chin. 

Hanbō (hanpō)
Hanbō covered the lower face from under the nose to the chin. 
 
file:warframe.  JPG

Happuri
Happuri covered the forehead and cheeks. 

Parts of the men-yoroi

See also
Japanese armour

References

External links

Samurai Arms and Armor
Anthony Bryant's online Japanese armour manual

Category:Medieval helmets
Category:Samurai armour
Category:Masks in Asia
Category:Military masks