Skirt of Tasses refers to a specific type of armor that was commonly used during the medieval period. It comprised a skirt-like garment made of overlapping metal plates or tassets, which were suspended from a waist belt and worn over the legs to protect the lower body. Tassets are rectangular or semi-cylindrical pieces of armor that cover the hips, groin, and upper thighs. The Skirt of Tasses was an essential part of a knight's protective gear, providing defense against attacks to the lower abdomen and thigh regions.
The Skirt of Tasses was usually made from steel or other durable materials, often reinforced with leather or fabric to enhance flexibility and comfort. It featured a series of articulated plates or overlapping scales that allowed for ease of movement while maintaining adequate protection. The tassets were attached to the front or back of the waist belt using straps or hinges, enabling them to move independently as the wearer walked or mounted a horse.
This armor component was typically worn as part of a complete suit of plate armor, complementing other defensive pieces such as breastplates, helmets, gauntlets, and greaves. It played a vital role in safeguarding a warrior from attacks aimed at vulnerable areas, preventing severe injuries in battle.
Today, while no longer in use in the context of warfare, the Skirt of Tasses holds historical and cultural significance as a symbol of medieval armor and chivalry. It is extensively displayed in museums, reenactments, and artistic representations of the medieval period, contributing to a visual understanding of the past.
