Warriors with shoulder tufts

[Druzhina]

Supposedly the only Byzantine illustration of shoulder tufts mentioned in Leo VI's Tactica is Digenis (Diogenes) Akritas fights the dragon, 12th century plate

Other depictions of Diogenes Akritas: Digenis Akritas slays the dragon with five arrows and Digenis Akritas saves a princess abandoned in the desert

Shoulder tufts are also worn by warriors on the Orlat Battle Plaque, early Sarmation (Kangju (K'ang-kiu) or Yuezhi)) or Hun (Tashtyk, 'White Huns' - the Hephthalites)
Sogdian ruler with shoulder tufts, on a Mortuary Couch, Northern Qi dynasty, A.D. 550-577

Are there other ancient depictions of warriors with shoulder tufts? I can't remember if I have seen them on Chinese soldiers.

MIRROR SITES
Orlat Battle Plaque, early Sarmation (Kangju (K'ang-kiu) or Yuezhi)) or Hun (Tashtyk, 'White Huns' - the Hephthalites)
Sogdian ruler with shoulder tufts, on a Mortuary Couch, Northern Qi dynasty, A.D. 550-577
Digenis (Diogenes) Akritas fights the dragon

Druzhina
Byzantine Illustrations of Costume and Soldiers

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Why would they wear those! 

Great find D

[Techno]

 
Cheers - Phil

[Druzhina]

Sasanian illustrations with possible shoulder tufts:
Shapur with shoulder tufts in the centre scene of Sassanid Rock Relief at Firuzabad in 224 AD
A Sassanid Cameo of Shapur I vanquishing Emperor Valerian, 260 AD
Cup of Khusrau I, Detail of King, Sassanid, 6th century
A Sassanid Oval Bowl with Enthronement Scene, 7th Century AD

Druzhina
Persian Illustrations of Costume & Soldiers

[FierceKitty]

Why would they wear those! 

Great find D

Start asking that question about uniforms and you'll be in for a lonnnnggggggg session.

[O Dinas Powys]

Why would they wear those! 

Great find D

...because they look cool when matched with the conical helmet?  All the intimidation of a three-pronged attack without the risk of self-decapitation that a rigid, spiked shoulder-pad would engender?

[Druzhina]

There are some coins of Khingila, Alchon Huns, (Hepthalite dynasty), 5th century AD, with fly-whisk shoulder tufts. The clearest images are Khingila silver drachm, Alchon Hun, Göbl 61 and Khingila silver drachm, Alchon Hun, a variant of Göbl 70

Druzhina
Ancient Illustrations of Costume & Soldiers

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Nice one D

[clibinarium]

Shoulder tufts see to have been a feature of expensive Chinese armours under the Song and Ming. Here's a Ming example from the "Departure Herald" scroll.

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Nice one Clib!

[O Dinas Powys]

It's all about attracting totty!

Much like the tail of a peacock or the fins of a guppy: the larger and more elaborate your shoulder tufts, the more rivals will be impressed and/or cowed AND the more ladies will want to spend quality time with you! 

Cheers!

Meirion

[Druzhina]

Shoulder tufts see to have been a feature of expensive Chinese armours under the Song and Ming. Here's a Ming example from the "Departure Herald" scroll.

Thanks clibinarium,

Druzhina
Illustrations of Costume & Soldiers