Hoate Gashira
(Cheek Armor)

Hoate (Cheek 頬当)) are menpo (face armor) without a nose. Specifically made to cover the face below the eyes to below the chin and includes the tare (throat guard).  The hoate were commonly refereed by samurai warriors as a battle mask and was the Men-yoroi (facial armor) of choice by many samurai on the battlefield. It provided  jaw and chin protection without impeding vision or breathing.  

The menpo was traditionally used, not only to protect the face in battle, but to help hold the shinobi-no o (kabuto cords) in place. Holding the cords in place, prevents chafing, and keeps the kabuto (helmet) tied securely to the warrior’s head.  The shinobi–no-o, typically tie around the ore kugi (L-shaped post), located on the menpo cheeks, and then down under the chin.  The menpo could have a cord, which tied over the crown of the warriors head. It can also be tied to the shinobi-no-o, making it easier to remove / replace the menpo when needed.

Our menpo, like all of our products, are traditional designed, full sized and functional.  It can fit your existing kabuto, or looks great displayed by itself with one of our Menpo Display Stands. It can be worn for budo training, re-enactment, LARP, SCA, Cosplay or part of a steampunk costume.

Features: Gashira Class Hoate

• Traditional Design and Crafted.
• Full sized and functional.
• Offered in a variety of paint colors.

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References:  “The Samurai Armour Glossary” by Ian Bottomley & David Thatcher  /  “The Watanabe Art Museum Samurai Armour Collection Volume 1: Kabuto & Mengu” By Trevor Absolon