About some design features and combat use of the Central Asian ringed carapace in the 16th-18th centuries (experimental results in the context of interdisciplinary research)

An important direction of the modern archaeological research is to study the features of the combat use of the protective arms of the nomads of Central Asia, as well as the technology of “defensive armor” production of nomads and their sedentary neighbors. Solution of these problems is possible within the profile of interdisciplinary research based, inter alia, on the method of objective scientific and historical reconstruction. The article analyzes the original ringed armor of the Akmola regional historical museum (ARHM, Kokshetau, Kazakhstan). It is woven of riveted and welded iron rings, and tailored as a “shirt” with a collar, short sleeves, very deep vertical cut breastplate with soldering, and with paired slits on the elongated hem. The study of the design features and the design of the shell suggest that the armour was made by masters of Central Asia in the period between the 16 th-18 th centuries. Having studied the example of the ARHM armor, and also its scientific and objective historical reconstruction we have also studied the technology of production of welded rings, as well as some features of the combat use of the Central Asian ringed armor. Thus, in particular, it is found that the faceted surface of the rings is due to their finalization (forging) after welding. Examination of the shell, as well as experimental testing of its substantive reconstruction, have shown the high efficiency of the armor as protection against strikes and arrows, as well as the vulnerability of the chain-mail fabric against thrusting spear blow.