From the early hoshi kabuto (riveted helmet) to the later suji kabuto (plated helmet), the helmets consisted of a hachi (bowl) and a shikoro (neck guard). The shikoro was a plate of layered scales that was hung from the back of the helmet’s bowl to protect the back of the neck. The neck guard of the hoshi kabuto was lightly folded back on the left and right sides, with patterned leather on the front. A lame was used to protect the face when firing from horseback. With the suji kabuto, an umbrella-rim neck guard with a broadly opened hem was mainly used, helping to prevent the warrior’s arms from being hindered while in close sword battle.

The signs and decorations attached to a helmet are called tatemono. They are most commonly attached to the front of the helmet, in which case they are called maedate. One example of this is a kuwagata crest. Kuwa means “hoe,” but it is said that it originated as a deformation of deer antlers.

From the Kamakura Period to the Northern and Southern Dynasties Period, it grew to an exaggerated size. Long, narrow kuwagata are called nagakuwagata, and wide kuwagata are called okuwagata.