The ones shown in the book from the 1300's are much more plain than these. These are reproductions from a manual in the late 1400's. But, they do look cool, which is why we use them.
(It was remarkably difficult to find a photo of one. My wife usually does this technique and does not like photos of herself. And, since she does our web site, photos of her doing this tend to be far away where you can't make it out....)
no subject
You can see a plain one in the upper left photo here:
http://phoenixswords.atthefaire.com/galleries/2008/2008_NJ_camp.htm
(It was remarkably difficult to find a photo of one. My wife usually does this technique and does not like photos of herself. And, since she does our web site, photos of her doing this tend to be far away where you can't make it out....)