Final answer:
A scabbard is the term used for a sheath that houses a sword and allows it to be carried at the waist. It holds significant historical value as a symbol of status and martial prowess across various cultures and eras. Fine examples of scabbards can be understood through artifacts preserved in museums and ancient inscriptions that often included the names of swordsmiths.
Step-by-step explanation:
The holder for a sword which can hang from the waist is commonly known as a scabbard. This term has historical significance as it refers to the protective sheath used to house a blade. Throughout various periods of history, from the swords of High Gothic knights to the exquisite craftsmanship of weapons from the Far East, the scabbard has been an important accessory for carrying a sword. Soldiers in urban societies and even professional soldiers valued their swords and by extension, their scabbards, as symbols of masculine virtue and military might.
In historical findings, such as those from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, we can see examples of scabbards ranging from those used in the 10th to 8th centuries BC in China to P-shaped scabbard mounts around c. 600, which influenced the design of Japanese tachi. Inscriptions on these artifacts and the names of the swordsmiths, as seen on some ancient swords, highlight the recognition of the skills involved in making such weapons and their importance to the ruling classes. The scabbard served a functional purpose in protecting the sword and the carrier, ensuring the blade remained sharp and ready for battle.