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Helmet (Khula Khud)

first half 19th century
Not on view
Despite the modernization of Iran’s military in the nineteenth century, traditional armor continued to be manufactured. Its purpose, however, is uncertain: for military parades, as costume for religious or historical plays, or as romantic souvenirs for the tourist trade. This helmet, with its feline face and horns, features imagery inspired by Iran’s national epic, the Shahnama (Book of Kings)—notably, the tiger-skin headdress and the horned ox-headed mace that were the distinguishing arms of the hero Rustam. Inscriptions in Persian refer to Rustam and several other heroes from the poem.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Helmet (Khula Khud)
  • Date: first half 19th century
  • Culture: Iranian
  • Medium: Steel, iron, copper alloy
  • Dimensions: H. including mail 27 in. (68.6 cm); H. including nasal 12 in. (30.5 cm); H. excluding mail and nasal 10 in. (25.4 cm); Diam. 8 in. (20.2 cm); Wt. 4 lbs. 10.8 oz. (2120.5 g)
  • Classification: Helmets
  • Credit Line: John Stoneacre Ellis Collection, Gift of Mrs. Ellis and Augustus Van Horne Ellis, 1896
  • Object Number: 96.5.125
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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