Chain mail is a type of armor consisting of small metal rings. In Russia, it had several names depending on the type: chain mail, shell, baidana, yatserin. The Russian word for chain mail “kolchuga” comes either from the word “koltso” (ring) or from the Polish kolczuga.

Chain mail was used to protect against throwing and edged weapons.

There were many variations of chain mail — from chain mail shirts covering only the torso and shoulders, to ones that covered the body completely, from head to toe. Long chain mail — hauberks — had a slit at the bottom in the front and back. Depending on its size and the size of the rings, chain mail weighed from 5 to 12 or more kilograms.

Chain mail, as a rule, usually had one layer of mail, and only the most vulnerable places were additionally protected by a second layer.

Chain mail was widely popular in Kievan Rus. It was used until the late 17th century. Russian historiographers believe that they are often called “bronya” (armor) in ancient Russian chronicles, and the word kolchuga (chain mail) appeared later.

Chain mail became widespread both in Europe and in Asia due to the simple manufacturing technique. To make chain mail, one needed only a few kilograms of iron, a tool for drawing wire and patience.

The rings were made by a blacksmith from handmade iron wire. The wire was twisted on a tool for making chain links, and the resulting spiral was cut into pieces that were welded or riveted to make rings. The unclosed ends of the rings were flattened for welding or creating a hole for a rivet, which was made by a punch; a hammer was used for riveting. Welded rings were not forged, but ground to give them the desired shape.

Such armor could serve almost indefinitely: to fix damaged chain mail, one simply needed to replace the broken rings.

The rings of the chain mail presented in the exhibition are round, welded and riveted. There are slits on the chain mail: on the chest and at the bottom — in the front and back.