SA0269 SKULL Helmet – Early Medieval

SKULL Helmet – Early Medieval

The names given to this type of helmet are derived from its shape, in particular the
high and forward inclined apex, in which it resembles the caps (usually of leather)
habitually worn by Phrygian and Thracian peoples. Like other types of Greek helmet,
the vast majority of Phrygian helmets were made of bronze. The skull of the helmet
was usually raised from a single sheet of bronze, though the forward-pointing apex
was sometimes made separately and riveted to the skull. The skull was often drawn
out into a peak at the front, this shaded the wearer’s eyes and offered protection to
the upper part of the face from downward blows. The face was further protected by
large cheekpieces, made separately from the skullpiece. Sometimes these
cheekpieces were so large that they met in the centre leaving a gap for the nose and
eyes. When constructed in this manner they would have embossed and engraved
decoration to mimic a beard and moustache.