This helmet is traditionally said to have been that of Abu `Abd Allah Muhammad, known in the West as Boabdil, the last Nasrid king of Granada (r. 1482–83 and again 1487–92). If this is indeed so, it is the only known example of armor from the entire Nasrid period in Spain (1230–1492).The helmet has the form of a typical Spanish sallet of the late fifteenth century. The cutouts over the eyes, however, were inspired by Islamic helmets. The extraordinarily rich decoration, which includes cloisonné enamels and finely tooled designs in gold leaf, has close parallels in surviving Nasrid sword fittings and jewelry. The fact that the bowl has been pierced to fit the enamels and is lined with riveted plates to support them, suggests that the helmet was created exclusively for ceremonial use.
