Are there any historical examples of female armor (preferably before the widespread use of firearms)? Pictures would be appreciated of examples if you have them.

by Spam4119
PonderousPlatypus

As others have stated, women wore the same armour that men did. They are depicted below in skirts to differentiate them from the males around them. There's another illumination I can't find that depicts a queen in armor and a dress with her ladies.. I think it was depicting Isabella of France. If/when I find it, I'll post it.

15th century - Illumination, Isabella of France
15th century - Miniature, interpretation of Joan of Arc
1485 - Interpretation of Joan of Arc
1505 - Illumination, interpretation of Joan of Arc

This might interest you as well: Estruscan princess grave

EyeStache

If you're looking for historical examples of something long the lines of boobplate or the chainmail bikini, you're going to be disappointed. Armour was fairly unisex - so long as it fit, it was worn.

svefnpurka

There were the female samurai, so called Onna-bugeisha. From what I can find it seems like they've been wearing pretty much the normal armour of the time or even just normal clothes with little to no armour.

 

There's fro example Tomoe Gozen, who has been described in the Tale of the Heike as following:

Tomoe was especially beautiful, with white skin, long hair, and charming features. She was also a remarkably strong archer, and as a swordswoman she was a warrior worth a thousand, ready to confront a demon or a god, mounted or on foot. She handled unbroken horses with superb skill; she rode unscathed down perilous descents. Whenever a battle was imminent, Yoshinaka sent her out as his first captain, equipped with strong armor, an oversized sword, and a mighty bow; and she performed more deeds of valor than any of his other warriors.

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