Abstract: A material and method for production of ballistic armor. One or more absorbing layers are inserted between layers of woven cloth made of high strength fibers. Mechanical energy absorbing layers are of two types, either a large number of small objects in loose contact with one another which will dissipate energy by moving traversely to the direction of impact, embedded in a matrix along with randomly oriented high strength fibers, or a large number of small objects in a matrix along with parallel oriented high strength fibers. A method for production of such a layered device is also taught. The material may be used in body armor including vests and helmets as well as applied to construction of shields and armored vehicles.