‘’SASH WARRIOR’’

‘’SASH WARRIOR’’ bronze h. 28” x 19”    A warrior could choose to vow before a battle to become a sash warrior, to die in the bravest way possible by staking himself to a spot and standing his ground in battle. The distinctive sash, made of hide or trade cloth, hung diagonally across the shoulder, held in place by a loop at the end, or by a slit, that placed the sash over the warrior’s head. The sash, usually over twelve feet long and five or so inches wide, trailed behind him while he was afoot, and often trailed along the ground if he was on horseback. In battle, the warrior staked his sash to the ground as the enemy closed in, and remained there until the enemy was defeated or he was killed. The length of the sash provided the wearer mobility during battle. Others could stand with him and try to save him if they wished. A warrior who fought beside a sash wearer four times earned the right to free a friend in future battles. This defender could intervene by pulling the stake when the sash wearer was about to be killed, lashing the wearer across the back, and thereby cancelling the sash warrior’s vow. chrisnavarro.com