For the chainmaille artist, there are many varieties and techniques that are utilized to make this unusual and strong version of body armor. It originated with the Celts way back in 3rd century Romania to provide better protection during battles. It is comprised of many small metal rings that are woven around and attached together to make one large, strong piece of metal garment mesh, which is lighter for the wearer that the heavy duty suits of armor of older days.
Modern usages of this technique are seen in butcher shops, especially in butcher gloves, to avoid losing fingers or causing other damage when wielding large knives. A popular use seen is in full body suits for divers to get up close and personal with sharks in the ocean
The name chainmaille has its origins in both French and Latin cultures, usually taken to mean "Malleable Armour". There are differing names for each piece, depending on what part of the body it is intended to be used for.
If the piece is a waist length or longer, it is loosely called a Byrnie. This can be a general term for any number of variations of this item. Leggings are called Chausses, gloves are called Mitons and a hood or head covering is called a Coif. Almost any vulnerable body part can be covered in this strong mail mesh.
A large amount of the chainmaille designs come from Japan, which were designed for the Samarai in the early 1300's. The patterns and weaves are more intricate, including patterns such as the "so gusari" - a 4 in 1 square weave and the "hana gusari" which means a weave done in a hexagon shape. Each design features expanded strength and stability to the meshwork. The Japanese also invented the practice of riveting, which is an added reinforcement to the links, riveting them to the other metal pieces, making them stronger and less likely to come apart with heavy use.
The demand for artists and crafts people who make this type of work is rapidly gaining as the popularity increases. This comes from many sources, including people who participate in medieval reenactments, Gothic revivals, collectors and the ever popular Renaissance festivals that are all over the US.
More recently, a chainmaille artist can find an audience in jewelry making, most of the weight of the metals, etc. Is on a lighter basis, but is proving popular among many groups of people. This can include the Goth movement and bikers. There is an up and coming market for this type of work in the jewelry as well as the medieval fields.hloe Gib
Modern usages of this technique are seen in butcher shops, especially in butcher gloves, to avoid losing fingers or causing other damage when wielding large knives. A popular use seen is in full body suits for divers to get up close and personal with sharks in the ocean
The name chainmaille has its origins in both French and Latin cultures, usually taken to mean "Malleable Armour". There are differing names for each piece, depending on what part of the body it is intended to be used for.
If the piece is a waist length or longer, it is loosely called a Byrnie. This can be a general term for any number of variations of this item. Leggings are called Chausses, gloves are called Mitons and a hood or head covering is called a Coif. Almost any vulnerable body part can be covered in this strong mail mesh.
A large amount of the chainmaille designs come from Japan, which were designed for the Samarai in the early 1300's. The patterns and weaves are more intricate, including patterns such as the "so gusari" - a 4 in 1 square weave and the "hana gusari" which means a weave done in a hexagon shape. Each design features expanded strength and stability to the meshwork. The Japanese also invented the practice of riveting, which is an added reinforcement to the links, riveting them to the other metal pieces, making them stronger and less likely to come apart with heavy use.
The demand for artists and crafts people who make this type of work is rapidly gaining as the popularity increases. This comes from many sources, including people who participate in medieval reenactments, Gothic revivals, collectors and the ever popular Renaissance festivals that are all over the US.
More recently, a chainmaille artist can find an audience in jewelry making, most of the weight of the metals, etc. Is on a lighter basis, but is proving popular among many groups of people. This can include the Goth movement and bikers. There is an up and coming market for this type of work in the jewelry as well as the medieval fields.hloe Gib
About the Author:
Rebel Rose Jewelry offers great prices on a chainmaille necklace. Check out their website to learn more! (http://www.rebelrosechainmaillejewelry.com)
