Helmet of "Illyrian" Type

Culture Greek

Dateabout 400s BCE

Mediumbronze

Dimensions26 × 17 × 23 cm (10 1/4 × 6 11/16 × 9 1/16 in.), 2 lb, 7 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1048

DescriptionMuch more robust than HAM 566. 1 hole at front base of each cheek. Tooled decorative band with bead motif around edge; additional bands decorate the crest ridge, which is well sculpted (again, unlike 566). Hammermarks clearly visible inside R cheek. Metal is heavier in front. Fitted for a crest, with a mushroom-shaped stud at the front, and a rounded staple at the back. Sinciput has been largely lost. Some adhesive patching on the interior.
Label TextThe Illyrian helmet differed from its more famous counterpart, the Corinthian helmet, by having an open-faced design. This gave the wearer better visibility, but at the cost of reduced protection for the face. Illyrian helmets were more prominent in northern Greece, with many city-states depicting the helmet on their local coinage.ProvenanceCyril Andrade from Wharncot (7/14/25- 5/16/30, #267); John Whawell Collection (bought 1930). Purchased by John W. Higgins on May 16, 1930 from Cyril Andrade, Ltd., London. Given to the Museum on December 15, 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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