Bronze helmet from holyland area circa. 8th - 6th Century B.C.E. A very rare find in this early helmet. Not a known type and probably represents a semitic or Jewish helmet of which there are no known depictions. Another possiblity is that it was a headpiece worn by a page or other personell that needed protection, but not combat soldiers. A similar helmet of the period can be found in the Relief from the palace of Sargon at Khorsobad 721-705 B.C.E See "Art of Warfare in Biblical Lands" page 446-447. Also, many examples of non-conical cap-like helmets like this on several reliefs of Ashurnasirpal in particular in friezes showing the Elamites who were captured by him and wore similar types of helmets (668 - 630 B.C.E.). See "Art of Warfare in Biblical Lands" page 446-447, The helmet would be worn tilted to the back of the head. Diameter is 15+ cm (6+ inches). Minor repair (black area which can be seen in photo of inverted helmet). About 95% original. Custom Stand included. Helmet can be viewed in our gallery at Showplace Antique Center, "Zuzim Judaea" #114, 40 West 25th Street New York, NY. Trocadero customers viewing the auction, please contact us directly or through Trocadero.

Antiquities
Ancient Near East