Counting in tens. Cultural insights from the sole surviving mail hauberk with an integrated coif

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This article explores the only surviving example of a mail hauberk with an integrated coif, shedding light on its construction, origin, and historical context. The mail coat was discovered by locals in the 1930s near Berane, Montenegro. Its precise find location and its archaeological context are uncertain. Prior to investigation, it was hypothesised that it may represent a European hauberk from the 11th-13th century. Examination of the coat, notably its design and adherence to the decimal system, suggest a non-European origin, likely Ottoman, dating back to the second half of the fifteenth century. The skewed placement of the coif and the potential application of the Parthian shot manoeuvre highlight functional considerations in its design. This study introduces a novel perspective on the connection between numeral systems and mail garment construction, offering insights for broader applications in material culture research.