ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Dō (armour)

Dō is a special type of armour that warriors in Japan used to wear to protect themselves during battles. It is made of lots of small metal plates and is put together in a way that covers the chest, back, and waist of a warrior's body.

Imagine that you are making a suit of armor out of small puzzle pieces, but instead of being made of cardboard like your normal puzzles, these are made of metal and are put together so they can move with your body. The metal plates that make up the dō are connected by braided cords and laces that allow the warrior to move and fight.

The dō provides a lot of protection from swords, arrows, and other weapons that enemies may use during battle. The metal plates overlap each other, creating a shield of sorts that can stop sharp objects from piercing through to the skin.

To put on the dō, the warrior would first put on a cloth undergarment to protect their skin from the rough edges of the metal plates. Then, they would strap on the dō and secure it in place with cords and ties. Finally, they would put on the other parts of their armour, such as helmets and gloves.

Overall, the dō is an important part of a warrior's armour because it protects their upper body during battle. With its overlapping metal plates and flexible connections, a warrior can defend themselves and fight with greater confidence.
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