SA0252 Medieval MORION pikeman’s helmet Cabasset

Medieval MORION pikeman’s helmet Cabasset
The iconic motion, though popularly identified with early Spanish explorers and
conquistadors, was not in use as early as the conquest of Mexico by Hernan Cortez
or Francisco Pizarro’s conquest of the Incas in South America. Thirty to forty years
later, it was widely used by the Spanish, but also common among foot soldiers of
many European nationalities, including the English; the first English morions were
issued during the reign of Edward VI .Low production costs aided its popularity and
dissemination although officers and elite guards would have theirs elaborately
engraved to display their wealth and status.
The crest or comb on the top of the helmet was designed to strengthen it. Later
versions also had cheek guards and even removable faceplates to protect the
soldier from sword cuts.The motion’s shape is derived from that of an older
helmet, the Chapel de Fer, or “Kettle Hat.”Other sources suggest it was based on
Moorish armor and its name is derived from Moro, the Spanish word for Moor.The
New Oxford American Dictionary, however, derives it from Spanish morrión, from
morro ’round object’. The Dictionary of the Spanish Language published by the
Royal Spanish Academy indicates that the Spanish term for the helmet, morrión,
derives from the noun morra, which means “the upper part of the head”.A similar
helmet, the cabasset, was introduced around the same time in Italy Like its
Spanish counterpart, it was worn by infantry in the pike and shot formations. The
stalk-like projection on the top resembled a pear, which is how it gained its name.
It was popular in 16th century England and was used during the Civil War. Several
of these helmets were taken to the New World by the Pilgrim fathers, and one of
these has been found on Jamestown Island.