Hello,
Just wondering if anyone knows of a maker of an authentic subarmalis. (I searched the board and was unable to locate any information..) I have pondered the idea of making one, but with the cost of leather and my limited time I wondered if anyone makes them...
If anyone knows please let me know.
If you want authentic then you don't want leather :wink:
Actually all subarmalis reconstructions are pure speculation. The likelihood of them having been made of leather is far lower than textiles. IMO linen is the most likely candidate.
Mark,
Take a look at this
thread. The subject has been discussed some more times, but this is the most recent one.
Aitor
If you do want leather (which I think is more accurate) :wink: then send me a PM and I will send you a pattern that others have requested.
Calvus
Quote:If you do want leather (which I think is more accurate) :wink:
Well, is there any such thing as accurate when it comes to the subarmalis? :wink:
Quote:Well, is there any such thing as accurate when it comes to the subarmalis?
Yes, of course. They had them.
:lol:
Dan's questioned that in the past, given the bunched-up woolen tunic.
Yes. The same argument has been made for "viking" underarmours. A couple of woollen tunics provide plenty of padding to reduce chafing and blunt trauma. The likelihood that Scandinavians had something specifically tailored to be worn under mail is very low based on current evidence.
I can't find the photo, but a group in northern England reconstructed a leather subarmalis based on a particularly shaped piece of leather they felt was part of a leather subarmalis. It fit the shoulder very well, and they had photos of the reconstruction: even used it in a Roman wedding.
Anyone remember which group did this? I think they were up by South Shields.
Quote:I can't find the photo, but a group in northern England reconstructed a leather subarmalis based on a particularly shaped piece of leather they felt was part of a leather subarmalis. It fit the shoulder very well, and they had photos of the reconstruction: even used it in a Roman wedding.
IMHO this could have been just about anything. Well, not anything, but lots of things besides a subarmalis. Also, embroider what you're going to hide? Nothing conclusive here ...
Quote:YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND:
It's a nifty looking piece of clothing. I only wish there was a pattern for it. I can see, as they used it for a wedding, that if it were for 'undress' use, it might be embroidered: Romans do odd things after all.
Quote:It's a nifty looking piece of clothing. I only wish there was a pattern for it. I can see, as they used it for a wedding, that if it were for 'undress' use, it might be embroidered: Romans do odd things after all.
Not sure I understand - do you mean that it was used for a wedding in ancient times? (It wouldn't proof anything if the reenacment group used it for a wedding ceremony just because they liked it ...)
Quote:it was used for a wedding in ancient times?
No, not that. I was referring to their website where the did a wedding and the groom and some of the men wore the leather subarmalis. I just went looking for it but could not find it. Perhaps someone may remember where that one is as well?
Given the fact that much of Roman military equipment was produced from leather, I would consider the possiblity of a leather subarmalis a good one. There is at least one reference to soldiers wearing "Corsican leather" , and I believe a few others of soldiers wearing skins.
This could very well be a hint to clothing, and possibly a subarmalis.
However this is going to be a matter of opinion, and not based on solid evidence. Just like the assumption they were made from cloth.