The r/WMA subreddit is a popular destination on reddit for HEMA swordsmen and swordswomen to post pictures of their gear, and painted fencing masks is a typical item. We also have our own subreddit you can post into at https://www.reddit.com/r/HemaResources/ For fun we thought we’d put together a list of some of our favorite ones used by historical fencers in the community.
We especially like this mask because the painted work makes it resemble a steel helmet. Very knightly!
This fencing mask paintjob looks inspired by the popular TV series Star Wars: The Mandalorian on Disney+. This is the way indeed!
Based on the comments to the post, this painted fencing mask design was inspired by an episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender. We thought it looked like an oni mask from Japanese mythology!
Speaking of Japanese mythology this kitsune (demon fox maiden) themed mask is delightful.
This Dark Souls inspired mask is very cool as well.
Speaking of dark things here is one featuring a Lovecraftian Great Old One deity, The Sleeper of R’lyeh, Cthulhu.
The Witch-King Cometh! This Lord of the Rings inspired painted fencing mask must be pretty neat in free play.
In keeping with the LOTR theme here this mask has a painted Tree of Gondor on it. We wonder if the Witch King fencer and the owner of this mask are sworn enemies? That’d be a match we’d like to see.
This one is rather silly but we still think it is a really great example of the high quality of artwork that can be painted by a talented artist onto a fencing mask.
Got any cool painted fencing mask designs you’d like to share? Feel free to post them into the comments below or share them at our subreddit https://www.reddit.com/r/HemaResources/.
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If you’d like to learn more information about historical fencing practices please check out our Learn HEMA page for a guide to learning about the historical weapon that interests you. You can also find more guides we’ve written about other topics at our Helpful Guides page.
