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Corinthian Helmet

500–475 BCE
bronze with silver inlay
Overall: 21.5 cm (8 7/16 in.)
Gift of J. H. Wade 1926.54
Location: not on view
Public Domain
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Did You Know?

This helmet is very heavy—2.56 kilograms (5 lbs., 10 oz.), compared to average ancient helmets of 1.2–1.6 kilograms (about 3 lbs.).

Description

Probably cast and then hammered into shape, this bronze helmet belongs to a type known as Corinthian, with almond-shaped eye holes, large cheek-pieces, and a wide nose-guard. Its significant weight raised early suspicions about authenticity, but a 1928 technical examination found no conclusive evidence of forgery. Still, several unusual details may be modern embellishments. These include the intact rivets, or metal fasteners, meant to secure liners; usually only their holes survive. The dueling warriors and inlaid palmette above the brow also find few parallels, and the silver meander pattern is unique.
Corinthian Helmet

Corinthian Helmet

500–475 BCE

Greece

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