Auctions Imperial 2018 Arms & Armor November
Lot 233:
Description
A rarely-encountered and distinct type which evolved from Greek helmets first exported to the Black Sea region in the 5th century. Wrought of hand-hammered bronze, the skull in two sections terminating in a central ridge and retaining the phallic border of its prototype. With arched brows and separately-applied nasal, the lower periphery with a pronounced rim embossed in relief, providing glancing surfaces which protected the eyes, nose, jaw and nape. The hinged cheek plates embossed with characteristic dentated decoration and raised borders, the neck-guard abbreviated. This type saw use throughout Western Asia, notably in the environs of the Black Sea, Ukraine, the Caucasus and Caspian Sea, and elsewhere, given the extraordinarily mobility of Scythian culture. It remained in continuous use for many centuries, and was still popular when the Scythians under King Skilurus fought the Persian emperor Mithridates the Great in the mid-first century b.c.e. Excavated. Fourth century b.c.e. Areas of substantial reconstruction to skull, conserved overall. Overall height 26cm. Condition V
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