Kabuto

The helmet, or Kabuto, was built of riveted pieces of iron.  The bowl of the helmet was separated from the wearer's head by several metal rings, order to reduce any head injury. There are in most cases a few holes to attach a mempo to the kabuto.  The back of most kabuto hangs a set of plates designed to prevent decapitation in battle.  These plates would attach at the back of the bowl by silk cords.  As decapitation was expected as a war trophy. Before battle, each warrior would burn incense in his helmet so that in the event that he lost; the adversary would have a pleasant smell when retrieving the trophy.

Kabuto is one of the most decorative pieces of armor and has boundless forms from the practical to the extravagant.  The more extravagant the higher rank. 

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