Posts: 8,310 Location: Montreal,Quebec,Canada
Wed 22 Apr, 2009 7:09 pm
| Gavin Kisebach wrote: |
Let me add a couple of examples for clarity. I'm not concerned with vambraces, bazubands, or arm cannons as part of a warrior's panoply; I'm specifically addressiing the perception that bracers were simply worn as day to day garb.
I especially like the half naked pseudo-Scot with bracers. He's medievalish. |
Ah, why would one wear these unless for battle/fighting as they are probably hot and sweaty and of little use unless one expects to be in daily sword or knife fights.
If fighting the vambraces, bazubands arm cannons make sense ..... the bracers for everyday wear I don't think so as period art don't seem to show their general " universal " use ! ( Again: Hollywood ! And the archers bracer would be just for archery ! ).
Just opinion though. ;) :D
Posts: 2,698 Location: Indonesia
Sun 26 Apr, 2009 1:21 am
| Gavin Kisebach wrote: |
| So thus far I can reasonably see bracers used for archery (which is no surprise) and hypothetically introduced to the new world via Spanish gauchos, possibly for protection from rope. |
If it's for protection from rope burns, though, I have to wonder why they weren't using leather gauntlets/gloves altogether, which would seem to be the more sensible and more protective choice....
Posts: 4
Thu 21 May, 2009 12:29 am
| Gavin Kisebach wrote: |
Google bracers and you'll see what I mean; they're wildly popular. I can't think of a reason to wear big leather cuffs, unless you thought your wrists were in constant jeopardy. I suppose I could see a tradesman wearing them for protection, but as far as I know there's just no evidence of it. They just seem to appear sometime in the 20th century. |
I own a pair of garment leather cuff/bracers, and when I'm not wearing them as part of my ren-faire psuedo pirate getup I tend to put them on when I go camping or hiking or playing capture the flag. They provide a little protection to my wrists when I'm pushing branches out of the way and knocking into things. I've seriously considered making a pair of close fitting sleeve things that lace onto the forearm from wrist to elbow for just that purpose.
Just a thought, but, bracers might just be a fashionable piece of clothing right now. Even given that people are supposed to be recreating history, or at least claim they are, fashion is still going to have an influence. My studies of history, such as they are, have left me impressed that historically fashions changed very quickly in some places and times. History tends to be presented as discreet images, 'This is what all romans looked like! This is what all vikings looked like! That denies that fashions could and did change in various times and places. Ultimately, I'm not surprised that the trend continues even today.
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