Why was this Composite Stechzeug made, and how was it used?
Jousting armor, like the WAM's Stechzeug, was made to protect the wearer in the sport of jousting. The jousters would charge at each other with their lances in an attempt to knock their opponent off of their horse. Lances were 11 feet long, and they bore flared metal heads like this one (above) to disperse the impact. In the joust of peace, the safety of the rider was a primary concern, and the suit emphasized protection over vision and mobility. The metal was thick, the eyeslot was small, and the plates were bolted together in ways that protect the body but allow only limited motion. The slots and holes in the helmet secured a system of padding and straps inside that helped protect the jouster's head.
Zachary Barney, Class of 2025, College of the Holy Cross
