Mempo: A half mask covering the face below the eyes including the nose, intended to enhance it's wearers fierceness and demoralize the enemy, as well as protect. The face armor often consists of a guard on the nose, cheeks, jaw, and chin, but the sômen which protects the whole face is rarely worn. A simulated bristling moustache made from animal fur or horsehair was frequently attached to the mempo. A plated and laced throat protector or yodare kake was attached to the bottom of the mempo

Kabuto (the helmet) were initially developed to protect against attack, but the unique history of Japan gave the artists (armorers) the opportunity to clearly show their technical and artistic skills. For the bearer it was not only to protect his head, but also to identify him, to advertise his prowess on the battlefield, to show his social status and even his religious fervor.