When most Americans think of armor, the image that usually comes to mind is the late medieval Western European “knight in shining armor.” The historical reality is, of course, much more complex. There have been thousands of different types of armor used throughout history, with the Western-European style of heavy plate armor a rare, if not unique, phenomenon. When we attempt to understand the nature and use of armor in the Book of Mormon, we must take care not to fall victim to anachronistic preconceptions based on the cultural prejudices of our Western-European historical heritage. Instead, we must begin with a proper understanding of the definition and wide range of types of armor that have been used throughout history.

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The Maya System or Armor

The basic armament of the Maya is remarkably consistent with that described in the Book of Mormon. Both systems have a basic layer of fabric or animal skins. Plates of various types and materials are used to protect the chest and head along with a large variety of shields. Indeed, Follett, in his detailed discussion of Maya armor, mentions only these same categories or armor: the thick garment, the mosaic helmet composed of numerous small plates, shields, and breastplates.

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