Loading

Horned helmet

-150/-50

British Museum

British Museum
London, United Kingdom

Copper alloy horned helmet. The cap is made from two pieces of copper alloy sheet, front and rear, held together by copper alloy rivets. While below the front part extends a separate crescent-shaped piece. The edge of the cap is strengthen with a U-sectioned binding held in position with rivetted clips. Each horn consists of a cone of copper alloy sheet rivetted along the top side, with terminal knobs cast in position. One horn has been broken away and replaced. At each side is a ring fitting for a chin-strap or cheekpiece. Running up from the ring fittings and around the base of each horn is a decorative strip embellished with rows of rivets. This strip continues across the top of the helmet between the two horns. This strip overlies part of the repousse ornament. Small holes irregularly spaced round the edge of the cap were perhaps to secure a lining. The ornament of the helmet consists of five (orginally six) copper alloy studs, cross-scored to take red glass 'enamel', and a repousse design on front and back. The design is similar is style to that on the Snettisham Great Torc.

Show lessRead more
  • Title: Horned helmet
  • Date Created: -150/-50
  • Physical Dimensions: Height: 240.00mm (max); Circumference: 585.00mm; Length: 420.00mm (between horn tips, approx); Diameter: 190.00mm (max, approx); Weight: 568.00g
  • External Link: British Museum collection online
  • Technique: repouss
  • Registration number: 1988,1004.1
  • Place: Found/Acquired Thames, River. Excavated/Findspot Waterloo Bridge
  • Period/culture: Iron Age
  • Material: copper alloy; glass; bronze
  • Copyright: Photo: © Trustees of the British Museum
  • Acquisition: Donated by Port of London Authority
British Museum

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites