A warrior would have worn this helmet over a cloth turban. He would have been confident of being safeguarded in battle by the writing around the helmet's rim. The inscription from the Qur'an is garbled, however, indicating that its Iranian maker may not have known Arabic. Yet the presence of Arabic writing apparently was thought to be enough to invoke the protective power of God's word.
This helmet once belonged to the royal arsenal in Istanbul, Turkey. It was probably part of the war booty amassed by the Ottoman Dynasty during the many wars between Turkey and Iran. Later, it was owned by the French painter Jean-Léon Gérôme, who traveled throughout the Near East and painted many scenes of Muslim life.For the latest information about this object, helmets, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
This helmet bears the distinctive mark of the royal arsenal in Istanbul, capital of the Ottoman Dynasty of Turkey (1453-1922). Composed of a circle enclosing a loop over three vertical lines, the stamp is clearly visible to the right of the nose guard on this helmet. In 1839, the Ottoman repository discarded some of its holdings and sold them on the open market. The famous French artist Jean-Léon Gérôme was among the European collectors who acquired these Islamic arms and armor including this very helmet.For the latest information about this object, helmets, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
Helmets like this, which have preserved their original chain-mail "aventail," or face and neck covering, have been likened to masks that conceal the face and create a sense of mystery. Their primary function, however, was to protect the wearer. Islamic helmets often were decorated with inscriptions that invoke God's power and blessing. Sometimes, as here, the writing cannot be easily deciphered and may even be meaningless-the presence of letter-like designs was evidently regarded as sufficient protection.For the latest information about this object, helmets, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Safavid DynastyInscriptions: Reign: Style: