A bandolier is a cloth belt used to carry ammunition, traditionally used by soldiers from the 16th to 19th century. It can be worn over one shoulder or crossed over the torso. It is still used by hunters and has become a fashion statement for some subcultures.
A bandolier is a band of cloth or other material that is usually kept in a pocket and used to carry ammunition. Resembling a belt in shape and size, one shoulder strap can be worn individually crossing from one shoulder down to the other side of the waist, or two can be worn from opposite shoulders to opposite sides of the waist and crossed in the midsection of the torso. Although traditionally used to transport ammunition from the 17th to the 19th century, they continued to be used through the 20th century in a more specific role by hunters or riflemen. They can also be used in an ironic or countercultural way by certain musical or artistic groups.
The bandolier first came into use during the 16th century as a way for soldiers to begin carrying the packets of bullets and powder used to load their firearms. Since early rifle users did not have individual cartridges containing the powder and bullet for easy use, they had to reload their guns in a rather lengthy process that involved loading powder and a bullet. To help speed up this process, the bandolier was introduced to allow soldiers to carry the necessary shooting equipment on their chests for easy access and reloading. This also kept heavy ammunition off the soldier’s waist to make walking for long periods of time more comfortable and sustainable.
In the early 20th century these bandoliers continued to be used, albeit to a lesser degree, as more modern cartridges containing powder, bullets and primer all together were introduced. As these cartridges were usually packed together in magazines too large to wear comfortably on the chest, the bandolier saw a decline in common use. The use of a bandolier became less common among soldiers, but it could still be seen among hunters using shotguns. Standard 12 gauge shotgun slugs often fit easily into the pockets of a bandolier and make reloading quick while hunting simpler. This can also leave the hunter’s waist unrestricted for navigating rough terrain.
In the late 20th century and early 21st century, the use of crossbody bags as a fashion statement also became somewhat more prevalent. Such bandoliers have often been made from dummy or shot shell casings to create a striking image that can be worn to make a statement about war or simply to add a militaristic edge to an outfit. These garments have been popular with anti-establishment groups such as followers of punk music or heavy metal subcultures who strive to make their appearances flamboyant or visually aggressive.
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