Medieval fantasy warriors are sometimes depicted with weaponry or spikes arrayed in a fan on their back. Here's an over-the-top example. This seems to be more common in Asian-inspired fantasy (the example is inspired by Central Asia), and I have a vague recollection of samurai costumes that look like this, but I can't find any online.
Was this ever a real practice,? If so — why, and did it have a specific name? If not, can anyone trace its appearance in popular culture, assuming it falls within subreddit timespan rules?
That particular image is really reminiscence of the kaoqi, which are four triangular pennants worn by actors playing warriors in Peking Opera, as part of their elaborate 31-piece armor set. They were based off of hand-held signal flags, usually carried by a messenger on a horse during battle. It was after they made the transition to theater that they started getting larger and showier, eventually incorporating ribbons and sequins.
As far as swords go, its practically impossible to draw a sword quickly and efficiently from the back. In Samurai culture the katana and wakizashi were always carried in the sash of the owners kimono. In medieval Europe as well nobody carried a sword on their back. As far as these examples which are typically the most widely known cultures that carried swords, they didnt wear swords on their back. As for other cultures I'm not sure.
