Multiplate helmet of thirty-two lames, possibly 14th–16th century
Mongolian or Tibetan
Iron, silver, gold, and brass or copper alloy
Technical Glossary
Mongolian or Tibetan
Iron, silver, gold, and brass or copper alloy
H. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm)
Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gift, 2005 (2005.146)
This helmet is the most complete example from a small group of helmets that share several features. They are made of overlapping narrow iron lames, each with a raised central ridge and an applied brass border on the left edge, plus brass borders on other parts such as the base of the finial or the edges of the brim. In addition, all the components of these helmets are attached by brass rivets rather than leather laces. The finial at the top of this example is decorated in gold and silver with the protective mantra OM AH HUM, and the brim is adorned with a series of five "dry skulls" and tendrils of flames.
