(A compendium of information from discussions on the 12th Century Garb Yahoo Group list)
Swallowtail
I am trying to research the belt seen on the middle figure in the much discussed picture seen here:
http://www.pbase.com/image/4729807 — unfortunately, this link is broken, and there is no further indication of what it was or where it was from
(thanks for that link btw, its a great close up)
I do not know the name of that style of belt (I call it a swallow tailed belt) and I thought it was exclusively worn by men as a sword belt. My lord has one and it is sturdy, designed to bear the weight of a sword and scabbard. Does anyone know the medieval name for that style of belt? Are there any other existing images of women wearing that style of belt? I have only seen examples of leather belts like this, but it wouldn’t be hard to make a woven belt in this style.
Anyone know anything about it?
Thanks.
~ Kim McGuire
Message #245, September 13, 2002