Kulah Khud (Helmet)

A “kulah khud”, or “cap helmet”, was used throughout Northern India and Persia (modern-day Iran) for several centuries for both combat and ceremonial display. This armor design dates from the Qajar period (1785 – 1925), when Iran waged many wars with Imperial Russia, which resulted in Iran losing much territory to Russia and the British Empire.

This helmet is inscribed with a hunting design and figures sitting and conversing. The riveted rim has a protective hanging mail neck guard and adjustable nose piece. The crown has two plume holders and the gold-inlaid crest plate features a quadrangular spike.