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Helmet with Talismanic Inscriptions

18th–early 19th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 462
Although this helmet was a serviceable military object, it was probably used as an accessory of a parade armour. Forged from watered steel and damascened in gold with talismanic inscriptions, it contains an invocation to 'Ali, the son-in-law and cousin of the Prophet, and calls upon him for protection against harm and danger. The verses are distinctly Shi'i, and commonly found on objects from the Timurid through the Qajar periods in Iran and Central Asia.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Helmet with Talismanic Inscriptions
  • Date: 18th–early 19th century
  • Geography: Made in Iran
  • Medium: Steel; damascened with gold
  • Dimensions: Overall helmet with chain: H. 27 1/2 in. (69.9 cm)
    Diam. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm)
    Overall with mount: Ht. 33 1/4 in. (84.5 cm)
    Diam. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm)
  • Classification: Arms and Armor
  • Credit Line: Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
  • Object Number: 91.1.749
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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