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SW005 'Ashigaru Archer Taking Aim' (Western Army)
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SW005
This other archer is picking out a likely target for his arrow. Like the previous figure this Ashigaru also carries the ‘Sashimono’ small banner held stiffly by a pole inserted into a lacquered wooden holder on the back of his armour called an ‘Ukezusu’.
An ashigaru ("light feet") was a common infantryman who formed the backbone of Japanese armies during the Sengoku period. Although firearms had become increasingly common by 1600, bows remained important because they:
- could be fired more rapidly than matchlocks,
- did not rely on a burning match cord,
- were effective in wet weather, and
- allowed commanders to maintain continuous missile fire while arquebusiers reloaded.
The sashimono mounted on the figure's back was a small identification banner displaying a clan's emblem or colors. These banners enabled commanders to distinguish units amid the confusion of battle and were attached to a wooden back frame called an ukezutsu.
Brand: King and Country
