What is menpo?

Menpo is a traditional facial armor worn by samurai warriors in feudal Japan. It was typically made of iron or leather and covered the lower part of the face, including the nose and cheeks, to provide protection during battle. Menpo often had a detachable nose guard called a nose piece, which could be customized to fit the wearer's face or to intimidate enemies. The design of menpo could vary widely, with some featuring fierce looking expressions or moustaches, and others portraying more serene facial features. Menpo was an important part of a samurai's armor ensemble, which also included a kabuto (helmet), do (chest armor), and sode (shoulder armor).