Eight-Plate Helmet

possibly Tibetan

Not on view

A forerunner of the classic Tibetan eight-plate style, this helmet appears to be the earliest extant helmet, and possibly the earliest piece of metal armor with clearly distinguishable Tibetan characteristics. It includes a unique combination of features found on various forms of segmented helmets with riveted construction, which were in use across Eurasia from about the fourth century onward. Features specific to later Tibetan helmets are the basic eight-plate construction, the subtly cusped edges of the outer plates of the helmet bowl, and the distinctively Tibetan form of the plume finial.

Eight-Plate Helmet, Iron, copper alloy, leather, possibly Tibetan

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