Mail Shirt with Inscribed Rings

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Constructed entirely of interlocking riveted links of flattened iron except along the sleeves, hem, and front and rear slits, where the links are made of flattened copper alloy, this shirt opens down the front and extends downward over the hips. The majority of the links are each stamped on the obverse with the names of Allah and the five leading imams of the Shi’a (i.e. Muhammad, 'Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Husayn), who are also collectively known as The Five (Panj tan) or the People of the Cloak (Ahl al-Kisa). These links are occasionally interspersed with links stamped with the talismanic invocation (translated): "There is no hero like 'Ali and no sword like Dhu'l faqar." These holy inscriptions ensured that the shirt provided the wearer with talismanic protection against peril. This is one of very few Islamic inscribed mail shirts with decorative copper-alloy borders that are known to survive. A related example is also in the Metropolitan Museum's collection (acc. no. 2014.198).

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art