05-29-2009, 09:01 AM
From a non archeologistic view, and a non research point of view, I have found that some sort of scarf around the neck makes wearing maille hamatta not dig into the back of the neck. Most people probably do not have a problem with this, but I find after wearing it after prolonged amounts of time it starts to become uncomfortable on the back of the neck. A rag tie around the neck helps with this. As there is no evidence of a focale before 1st C BC, it may not have been standard issue, but given "camp and land" experience it makes sense to do this if the material is on hand. Now this could be an old tunic cut into strips and distributed amongst the men who put their hand up for one.
