Ailette
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The ailette was a component of thirteenth century knightly armour. Usually made of leather (sometimes of plate or parchment), ailettes attached to the shoulders by means of silk or leather cord. Ailettes were usually flat and nearly rectangular in shape, and usually decorated with heraldic designs.
The purpose of ailettes is a matter of disagreement amongst scholars. Some, such as Charles ffoulkes, claim that enhanced protection to the neck, while others, like Ewart Oakeshott, argue that they were used primarily for decorative and heraldic reasons.
[edit] External links
- Arador Armor Library description of ailettes
- Ailettes revisited a comparison of heraldic and defensive functions of ailettes
 |
This medieval armour-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
