Horned Kulah Khud
Culture
Punjab
, northern India
Dateearly 1900s
Mediumiron, brass, gold and silver koftgari inlay
Dimensions21.5 × 18.5 × 21 cm (8 7/16 × 7 5/16 × 8 1/4 in.), 2 lb 6 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.1042
DescriptionIron, deeply ovoid bowl with repousée demon ('div') face, decorated overall with scrolling floral vines of silver & gold koft-gari. Conical base with scalloped edge, balustered above for lost spike. To either side is applied oval-section horn which tapers as it curves upward & inward to a blunt point; inlay on the horns is excellently executed. Beneath "nose" is applied brass moustache with central slot for missing nasal. Double engraved line around the lower edge of the bowl. Possible riveted repair to bowl at right ear.Aventail of butted, tight mail, level across brow, & triangular at back & sides; 20 cm long. Mail held to edge of bowl through holes by what look to be later butted links.
Label TextThe kulah khud style was exported from Persia to India, where it is sometimes known as the khud islamiya, “Islamic helmet.” 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, some Indo-Persian headgear has the face entirely covered with mail, taking advantage of its see-through properties. The demon (div) face on this piece is found on many helmets of Persian and Indian origin.ProvenanceEx collection Angelo Peyron (Florence, Italy). Purchased by the Museum on 6 November 1954, from Savoy Art and Auction Galleries (NYC), part of lot 834 (with 3092.1-3, 5-8). Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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