During the Soma Nomaoi festival, mounted warriors set out wearing suits of armor. Just how heavy are these suits of armor, exactly?
Weight of the Armor
The weight of armor varies depending on the specific equipment, but on average it is around 13 to 15 kilograms. If you imagine the weight of a modern hiking backpack, you can get a sense of how heavy armor actually is. Some types of armor are even heavier than that.
The primary material used for armor was iron, but efforts to reduce weight can also be seen in the use of materials like leather and paper. These lighter materials were sometimes employed to help maintain mobility during combat.
Why do they wear armor at the Soma Nomaoi?
The Soma Nomaoi is both a sacred ritual that prays for the prosperity and peace of the Soma region, and a place where samurai once honed their martial skills.
The samurai were masters of the martial arts, clad in armor and armed with weapons, charged with the duty of protecting the people through their skill. In the Soma Nomaoi, to preserve that tradition, mounted warriors don armor and demonstrate their martial prowess. Their armored appearance also stands as a symbol of the history and culture of the Soma region.
Role of the Conch Shell Horn
The conch shell horn (horagai) is one of the tools that plays an important role in the Soma Nomaoi festival. The powerful sound of this shell is used as a signal in various situations.
- Announcing the start of the ceremony
- The sound of the conch horn signals the start of the ceremony. Its solemn sound has the effect of sobering the participants and spectators.
- Regulating the procession's progress
- The way the conch horn is blown determines the timing and pace of the procession's movements.
- Announcing arrival at the festival site
- The conch horn is also blown upon arrival at the festival site, and its sound announces the arrival to those around.に伝えます。
There are various patterns in the way the conch shell is blown, and by understanding the meaning behind each one, you can gain a deeper appreciation of the Soma Nomaoi procession.
Characteristics and Functions of the Jinbaori
The jinbaori, as its name suggests, is a type of garment worn on the battlefield. In the Soma Nomaoi festival, some warriors wear jinbaori instead of armor. This garment features various design elements specialized for combat.
- Back Slits
- The deep slits in the back allow for unrestricted movement when riding a horse. They're also designed to keep the sheath of a sword out of the way when worn at the waist.
- Sleeveless Design
- The lack of sleeves makes it quick to put on and can be worn over armor. This functionality makes the jinbaori an essential item for samurai on the battlefield.
