Shishak
Date1550–1600
Mediumsteel, iron, brass and fabric
Dimensions36.4 × 21.2 cm (14 5/16 × 8 3/8 in.), cheekpiece: 14.3 × 12.8 cm (5 5/8 × 5 1/16 in.), cheekpiece: 14.4 × 13 cm (5 11/16 × 5 1/8 in.), 5 lb, 3 oz. (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsSmall rectangular brass tag at right rear of skull, stamped "96.5/96".
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.72
DescriptionConical skull formed from a sheet of steel brass-braised at the overlap. Vertical at the basal sides, then tapering acutely to the slightly recurved apex which is fitted with a brazed tapering, circular-section spire-like spike with balustered finial. (Originally, small pennants would be attached to this.) Base of skull is pierced with 16 holes probably once securing lining rivets. Slightly above these, at sides & rear are pairs of circular iron loops from which are suspended the cheekpiece hinges and the now-lacking nape defense. Anterior upper half of left, and posterior of right seem to be later replacements. Cheekpieces have a straight upper edge with recurving sides, each punched with 14 holes for lining rivets, and forming a trilobate lower half that terminates in leaf-shape cusp. Central face is repoussed in concentric, double, pointed-oval motif, cut with four equilateral triangles, their tips addorsed and producing a cross moline.
Along lower edge at brow, skull is fitted with riveted shallow, slightly pointed fall equipped with adjustable nasal. This passes through flat, broad socket, and is secured by short, spade-shaped set-screw. Nasal is of oblong section, with squared, reinforced basal end. Upper terminal is cut in arrowhead-like shape, with stepped lug-like projections at base.
Label TextA tall central spire or spike is a common feature of Islamic helmets, with many variants in regions influenced by Islamic culture. This particular style is found in Persian, Turkish, and Russian helmets, reflecting the cultural interchange between these three areas at the borders of Europe and Asia. The brim at the front is a particularly Turkish feature, reflecting the cultural influence of the Ottomans in Eastern Europe at the height of their empire in the 1500s.ProvenanceEx-collection Mr. Augustus van Horne Ellis (Rye, NY), pre-1896 Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) 1896-1932 (returned and later sold by Ellis). Purchased by the Armory on 16 January 1940 for $15 from Clapp & Graham Company (James Graham & Son, NYC). Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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