The Do-Maru or Body wrap armor first started to appear in the 11^th century, as a lower class aarmor for foot soldiers. Like the O-Yoroi it started to become a commonly used in the Genpi Wars around the 12^th century. The Do-Maru was constructed from small scales of leather or metal laced into plates with cord and lacquered. Then each plate where laced together to form the armor. During the life of O-Yoroi there metal of choice was iron, due to the weight of iron armoires limited the use of iron to the most vital parts of the armor and used the leather for the remainder. This armor differed from the O-Yoroi in the fact that it was more form fitting like a short armored coat. Another difference was the attachment under the right arm for simplicity and ease of use. This is most likely due to the fact that samurai with there O-Yoroi would have help to put the armor on where as the foot soldier would not thus the simpler the better. Consequently the Do-Maru was much quicker and simpler to make and to wear. The semi form fitting shape with no sleeves allowed foot soldier much more room to move and to fight in allowing them to use a much wider range of weapons.

Here are some of the more impressive Do-Maru pictures I have found.

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