The Legend
Men-Yoroi (面鎧), also known as Menpo (面頬) or Mengu (面具), were facial armors utilized by feudal-era samurai. The masks served a two-fold purpose: to protect the face from enemy attacks, while also creating an aura of intimidation that would chip away at the enemy's resolve to fight. As such, these masks were usually crafted after the likeness of Oni (鬼) or wild animals.
The Mask
Collaborating with a master wood craftsman and aikido practitioner, we are proud to showcase a beautifully handcrafted birch wood mask that captures the core features of the traditional Men-Yoroi. With a real cork back and a soft cushion lining, the mask is both comfortable to wear and extremely light in terms of weight.
The kanji for Aiki (合気) and Budō (武道) are engraved on the left and right of the mask, keeping in line with the values of traditional Aikido with regards to combat.
Dimensions: 5.5 inches by 7.5 inches
Instructions for Care
As the mask itself is durable and built to last, no particular care is needed to keep it maintained. Please refrain from folding the mask completely in half as that will damage the craftsmanship! Cleaning can be performed easily using a damp sponge or cloth as needed.
