Mekure Toppai Gata Jingasa

Mekure Toppai Gata Jingasa also known as Achi-Gata Jingasa (Arched Battle Hat), started to become popular amongst Ashigaru at the end of the Sengoku Jidai through the Edo Era.  The mekure toppai gata jingasa where almost exclusively used by the head ashigaru. Toppai-gata means ‘kabuto with a peaked crown’.  It would often feature a mekure (turned-up edge). The toppai would help the head ashigaru to be seen on the battlefield.  The mekure would act as an achi (arch), giving him an unobstructed view from under the jingasa.  The mekure toppai gata jingasa were often better quality than the more basic conical jingasa, worn by lower ranking ashigaru.  The ashigaru would also wear an ashigaru do to complete his armor set.

Jingasa were traditionally lacquered in black and would typically bear the mon (mark or crest) of their clans or that of their unit. This ensured that soldiers could be easily identified from a distance. These mon were often painted in gold color.  The inside of the Jingasa was typically lined with hemp cloth. They also featured four metal rings riveted inside, and a cord would be tied into these rings and loop down just below the ears. A second cord would then be passed through the loops and tie below chin securing the jingasa to the head.

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