Horo (Arrow Entangler)

There are so many different kinds of horo made to suit the fancy of the wearers that it is impossible to describe all. The sizes vary from five haba (five pieces of ordinary width cotton cloth joined together) to seven haba. Each haba measures about 1 shaku (Japanese foot) and a 5 haba horo is about 5 shaku square.

The number of cords varies from 6 to 12.

The oikaga (basket or framework) also varies; in ancient times it was worn without the staff. It is said to have been invented by Hatakeyama Masanaga in the Onin period (1467-1468).

Garbutt adds: This is perhaps the feature of Japanese armour which is most difficult to explain or account for completely. Hepburn's Dictionary defines it as "A kind of hood stuffed with cotton, and worn by cavalry to protect the back." The Kachu Sokuyo Benran makes no mention of any stuffing, and the details which follow describe appliances somewhat ill-adapted to retain it. More information about this part of the equipment is to be desired.

Broberg adds: This information reflects a poor understanding of the horo by both the original author and the translator. This section is included for sake of completeness, but no attempt should be made by reenactors to recreate horo based on this information.