Horned Kulah Khud

Culture Persian

Date1800s

Mediumsteel, iron, copper, brass, gold and silver

Dimensions30.5 cm (12 in.), 3 lb, 14 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Markings"2971" in white

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1043

DescriptionFormed to resemble a "div." 1 plumeholder above each temple. Noseguard held in place with a modern screw, replacing the original one; it does not actually move. Decorated with openwork backed with copper sheet (possibly tinned on the inside), secured with brass nails. Surface decorated with silver and gold koftgari and incised decoration. Inscription in silvered Arabic script in the cartouches and roundels that encircle the brow.

Aventail is fine links but butted mail; 34 cm long. 2 long dags frame the face, 2 also in back, with 3 smaller ones in between at L and R rear. See closeup in photo database.Label TextThe kulah khud was the traditional form of helmet in Iran, and dated back to the Middle Ages. The mail fringe at the front of this piece cannot have provided much protection; it probably served to shade the eyes in a sunny climate. In fact, this helmet was made purely for ceremony, its form hearkening back to the height of Iranian power in the 1500s. The face and horns represent a demon (div). Its nose prevents the sliding nose-guard from being moved downward, where it would normally be secured for battle in order to protect the face.ProvenanceEdward Hubbard Litchfield collection
purchased by Museum from Parke-Bernet Galleries, NY on December 6, 1951, sale no. 1293. lot which included HAM#s 2971.1-5 and HAM 2972.
Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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