Arms and the Men; 14th century Japanese swordsmanship illustrated by skeletons from Zaimokuza, near Kamakura, Japan

Abstract

The 14th century in Japan was a time of complex and protracted feudal warfare, accompanied by changes in swordsmanship techniques away from the 13th century classical ideal. Cranial injuries on warriors buried in the Zaimokuza cemetery (A.D. 1333) suggest that single‐combat cavalry fighting was still prevalent, with a light sword (tachi) as the favoured weapon. There are indications that a heavier blade was also used, probably by infantry soldiers. The pattern of injuries, dominated by cuts across the forehead, implies that the complex Japanese helmet (kabuto) was not being worn and that the burials are probably those of mounted soldiers, perhaps of low rank.

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