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When going into battle, the samurai could not go without their bugu, or battle tools. Their weapons and armor were used for functionality and to show their status as well.

What You'll Need

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ARMOR

There were different types of body armor based on the times in which they were worn. Most all were made of metal plates and boiled leather tied together (often with silk). The armored skirt, called a kusazuri, shielded the thighs.

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Helmet (Kabuto)

One of the most important pieces for the samurai was their helmet. Used for protection, the armor was generally bowl-shaped and had a neck guard and a menpo (a face mask attached to the front). Later, they were decorated with plumes, horns, and other accessories.

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BOWS AND ARROWS

The samurai started as archers. They fought with bows and arrows
for centuries. They would also car􀀃y with them a quiver (a box) to
hold their arrows.

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MUSKEt

Although a sword symbolized the soul of a samurai, a gun was still an important weapon in battle. Samurai later used on muskets for recreational shooting and hunting. A skilled samurai was also a skilled masksman.

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katana

This long, curved sword was one of the deadliest samurai weapons. The katana was incredibly strong and sharp, and it was worn across the le􀀂t hip.

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TANTō

A tantō was a short blade, like a dagger or knife. It was used in battle as well as for ceremonial or decorative functions.

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YARI

A straight-headed spear, the yari was derived from similar spears in China. They were designed to penetrate any form of Japanese armor.

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NAGINATA

The naginata, a weapon made of metal or wood with a curved blade on the end, was used for maintaining distance from opponents.

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WAKIZASHI

A wakizashi was a sho􀀃ter sword o􀀂ten paired with the katana. It was used in tighter spaces when the katana was too big.