• Reading Public Museum
    Open 11a-5p DailyAdmission
  • Neag Planetarium
    Show ScheduleAdmission
  • Arboretum
    Open everyday from sunrise to sunset
Collections Menu

Laminated Cuirass ("anima" or "anime")

Laminated Cuirass ("anima" or "anime")

Date: late 16th - early 17th century
Medium: iron, solder, leather
Dimensions:
Overall: 39 3/4 x 17 1/2 x 13 1/2 in., 27 lb. (101 x 44.5 x 34.3 cm, 12.2 kg)
Credit Line:Museum Purchase
Object number: 1961.39.5
Laminated cuirasses appeared in Italy during the first quarter of the 16th century but by the turn of the 17th century its use was mostly confined to central and Eastern Europe, more specifically Poland where it was often worn by Hussaria heavy cavalry.  This type of armor was also called anima or anime (from the Italian word “soul”) in that it was sometimes concealed under a garment, like a soul within the body. The buckles on this armor are original, however, the original strapping would have been tanned darker than these replacements. This armor would have been worn with heavy leather knee-high boots or just shoes.
In Collection(s)