Corinthian Helmet

Culture Greek

Dateabout 600–550 BCE

Mediumbronze

Dimensions20.3 × 19.1 × 26.7 cm (8 × 7 1/2 × 10 1/2 in.), 3 lb, 10 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsNumber "239" in black ink, proper right cheek interior.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.7

Description1 piece of bronze. Flattened oblate skull shaped closely to head. Large, transverse leaf-shaped occularia, separated by slightly swelling nasal. Facial opening presents a "T"-shaped profile viewed from front. Cheek pieces arc slightly forward & outward. Borders around occularia, nasal, cheeks & edges pierced with holes for attaching liner (missing). These are bordered by mostly obscured pair of closely spaced thin decorative engraved lines (though this could just the the trace of an applied border of some kind). Lower edge of skull nearly horizontal, rising in a low cusp below ears.

Two holes at rear, perhaps for a votive mounting, or for later display.
Label TextThis simple yet elegant helmet dates to the early part of the Greek classical age. The bronze has turned green with time; it was originally a bright gold color. The holes around the edge served to attach a padded lining. This helmet would have been worn by a hoplite, a heavily armed footsoldier fighting in massed formations. In addition to the helmet, he would have torso armor of bronze or layered cloth, a large round shield, and a spear. In Classical Greek art, this is the kind of armor worn by the legendary heroes of the Trojan War.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins from Sumner Healey on April 30, 1929. Given to Higgins Armory Museum on December 15, 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

On View

Not on view