"Turban" Helmet

Artist Ahmad Karahisari (1500s)

Culture Ottoman Empire

Dateprobably 1400s

Mediumsteel, silver, gold and iron

Dimensions35.4 × 25 cm (13 15/16 × 9 13/16 in.), 2 lb 8 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.310

DescriptionSkull of one piece of steel, the slightly concave lower sides with rounded, outwardly flanged cut-outs over eyes. Encircling basal edge is row of 10 squared vervelles (5 missing) for pendant mail aventail to protect face and neck. Centered above eyes is transverse, rectangular mount for nasal guard (missing). Above this point skull developes a bulbous, onion-like shape, and is fluted vertically, into conical apex terminating in elongated point set with an inserted fourteen-sided pierced polygon and inverted cone finial.

Lining lacking, but fragments of coarsely woven fabric adhere to interior & are retained under 3 large flattened iron rivets.

Entire helmet chased with swirling, petalled foliate arabesques on punch-dotted ground with traces of gilding. The decorative scheme can be divided into 4 levels:

--Upper Cone. Punched decoration above, below is an inscription in silver false-damascening, running around the circumference, with silver false-damascened bands above and below the inscription and a third band further up. Decoration in this level is worn and hard to read.

--Upper Medallion Tier: Featuring 4 medallions decorated and inscribed with silver false-damascening, additionally decorated with punched foliate designs on a punch-dotted ground and more silver false-damascening. Traces of gilding also visible.

--Middle Medallion Tier: Featuring vertical fluting and 9 inscribed medallions; decorative scheme otherwise resembles Upper Medallion Tier.

--Lower Medallion Tier: Featuring 3 inscribed medallions, plus 5 cartouches enclosing arabesque designs. All adroned with silver false-damascening plus punched foliate designs and gilding as above. This level is also very worn in places, like the topmost.

Large loss above R eye, metal has been pushed together, closing the gap.
Label TextThe “turban” helmet’s distinct shape mirrors that of an Islamic mosque. A hood of mail would have hung down from the helmet to protect the wearer’s neck. This was armor that provided spiritual as well as physical protection.ProvenanceDr. Bashford Dean (Riverdale, NY); Mrs. Bashford Dean (ibid.). Purchased by the Museum on October 26, 1950 from the estate of Dr. Bashford Dean at Parke Bernet Galleries, Inc. (NYC), sale no. 1186., Lot 86. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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