Much of the worlds riot police gear has started to be a case of life imitating art, with ever more sinister video game inspired outfits.<p /><p />However, this Peruvian gear is the most extreme we have seen so far. Its really hard to believe it is real.

I would love to know some more information about this fantastic image of what is apparently the skeletal remains of a Catholic Saint wearing Armor that is cut away to reveal his rib cage.

Liquid armor uses the thixotropic effect of particles in a liquid suspension, which become rigid when pressure is applied. This would allow protective clothing that was truly flexible.<p /><p />You can try this at home by adding a small amount of water to English custard powder, and tapping the liquid. As you do it solidifies, temporariiy.

Made in Innsbruck between 1511-1514 by the master armourer Konrad Seusenhofer, this was part of a suit of armor that was presented by the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I to Henry VIII.<p /><p />It is on display at the Royal Armories in Leeds, England.

War Elephants have been used from Hannibal to the First World War. This Elephant armor is the largest armor ever made for any animal.

Ned Kelly was Australias most famous outlaw. He fashioned his own armor, including the helmet, above which became a national icon on account of its sinister medieval look despite being from the 19th Century.

This crocodile armor is on display at the British Museum, in London. It was worn during the Second Crusade, during the middle of the !2th Century.

Canadian artist Jeff de Boer creates fantasy armor for cats and mice. Unlike some fantasy armor which is cliched and unsubtle, these pieces are really special.

Hugely elaborate Parade Armour, by Eliseus Libaerts from Belgium, c.1563-1564, embossed, blackened iron, partly etched, and highlighted in gold.

This is another piece from the Royal Armoury in Leeds. An original 14th century pigface basinet, which is popular in reproduction.<p /><p />The interesting this about this armor is how extreme the shape is, something that is often watered down in replicas, because it looks to unlikely and therefore unauthentic.

The Dendra Panoply is the oldest form of metal armor, and only one complete example of it still exists.

The site linked to here, is a must see, with some truly extraordinary Samurai armor, including a set that is entirely covered in shark skin.

This armor costume is made from hundreds of soda bottles cut to pieces and sewn together. The effect is very futuristic.