Akodanari of Samurai Armor
阿古陀形 Akodanari
What is Akodanari of Samurai Armor?
The term "阿古陀形" or "Akodanari" refers to a type of samurai helmet shape. This style of helmet, a type of "筋兜" or "muscle helmet", was popular from the late Kamakura period to the Nanbokucho period. The helmet is named "Akodanari" because the center of the helmet is indented and the back of the head is bulging, resembling an "阿古陀瓜" or "Akoda melon". The round shape creates a space between the head and the helmet to soften the impact, making it resistant to strikes from long-handled weapons such as spears and naginata. However, with the emergence of more practical helmets in the late Muromachi period, this style declined.
See more terms related to samurai armor in this samurai armor glossary