Mail Shirt 15th century

Editor: So, here we have a 15th-century Mail Shirt from the Met. It's made of metal, of course. I’m struck by the incredible amount of work that must have gone into making this. It seems almost meditative, but for a really serious purpose. What exactly are we seeing in terms of its creation and purpose? Curator: I'm glad you picked up on the labor involved. A mail shirt like this isn’t just protective gear; it's a product of intense, specialized labor. Think about each individual ring, likely forged and linked by hand. We can investigate its social and economic context - was this a commissioned piece? How did its production impact the metalworking community? Who could afford this kind of protection? Editor: That’s fascinating! It never occurred to me to think about the economics behind chainmail. It's not just "armor," but also something of a status symbol, too, right? What about the metal itself? Could different sources or types of metal have impacted the craftsmanship? Curator: Absolutely! The quality and availability of metal would have directly affected production techniques. Local iron ore sources, smelting methods, and even trade routes become relevant here. Impurities in the metal, the gauge of the wire used – all these material aspects affected the garment’s final protective qualities and its aesthetic finish, speaking to levels of craft involved and costs accrued during creation. What does that say to you? Editor: It gives a real sense of the maker's hand, and a better understanding of medieval trade, tech, and social stratification. Thanks so much, I see the Mail Shirt so differently now. Curator: Me too! It goes beyond protection – a web woven between the worker, materials, and societal needs.