Kulah Khud (helmet)
Culture
Persian
Datepossibly 1700s, altered in 1800s
Mediumiron with gold and silver inlay
Dimensions31.8 × 20 cm (12 1/2 × 7 7/8 in.), 3 lb, 8 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.71
DescriptionThe hemispherical bowl is chiseled, engraved, and enriched with silver with a floral design inhabited by peris, and with a Persian inscription around its rim. It has four embossed rayed sun faces and an elongated finial fixed with a div head. The bent nasal is flanked by plume holders.The mail aventail is 38 cm long.
Label TextThe kulah khud is the characteristic helmet of Persia, and remained in ceremonial use long after it had ceased to have any military function. This piece seems to have been altered in the 1800s, to insert the small horned head between the helmet bowl and its surmounting spike. The modification may have been to convert the helmet for use in a Shi’ite religious play. The mail on this helmet is of outstandingly fine riveted links, typically an indication of an old piece.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins from Fred Spanierman (NYC) on November 24, 1939. Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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