Helmet- Probably Mongolian in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, April 2011

Helmet
14th–17th century
probably Mongolian


Object Details

Title: Helmet

Date: 14th–17th century

Culture: probably Mongolian

Medium: Iron, gold, silver, turquoise

Dimensions: H. 7 1/2 inches (19.1 cm); W. 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm); D. 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 11.7 oz. (785.3 g)

Classification: Helmets

Credit Line: Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gift, 2002

Accession Number: 2002.389


This extremely rare type of helmet is damascened in gold with a design known as the Three Jewels, a popular Buddhist motif representing Buddha, Dharma (Buddha's teachings), and Sangha (the community of believers). The solid construction of the helmet combined with the gold decoration indicate that this was a practical battle helmet, but made for someone of relatively high rank, who was probably a Mongolian follower of Tibetan Buddhism.


Text from: www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/26531