Ichcahuipilli

The ichcahuīpīlli, known in Spanish as escaupil,[1] was a Mesoamerican military soft body armor similar to the European gambeson that was commonly used by the Aztecs and the Tlaxcaltecs.

[3] Ichcahuipilli were made of successive layers of packed cotton and cloth, at least one inch thick, and sewn in diamond-shaped patterns.

Ichcahuipilli was so effective at stopping arrows, darts, and even lead musket shot,[4] Spanish soldiers often discarded their own, heavier plate armor, which was uncomfortable in the warmer, moist Mexican climate and prone to rust, in favor of indigenous armor which was lighter and comparatively maintenance-free.

The armor came in sleeved variations or in surcoat designs that covered most of a warrior's body down to the knees.

For SpikeTV's reality program Deadliest Warrior, a piece of material designated as ichcahuipilli armor was tested against the iron-tipped arrows of the Azande pima and botto.