This page was created by Zachary Barney. The last update was by Jeffrey Forgeng.
Composite Stechzeug - Why was This Object Made, 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 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 is thick, the eyeslot is small, and the plates are 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.