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Prometopidion (Main View (.2), front)

Unknown

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

A warrior's helmeted head decorates the upper portion of this prometopidion, a piece of armor that covered a horse's forehead. Both repousse and incision are used for decorative details on the elaborate Chalcidian helmet, such as the bands of guilloche pattern, tongues and hair-curl-like forms that run over the brows. The cheek pieces of the helmet terminate in rams’ heads, and the warrior's eyes are inlaid with ivory and amber. The lower part of the prometopidion is missing (compare 83.AC.7.1).
The small holes running around the edge of the prometopidion allowed a leather backing to be sewn onto the bronze for cushioning; the larger holes were for attachment to the bridle.

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  • Title: Prometopidion (Main View (.2), front)
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: about 480 B.C.
  • Location Created: South Italy
  • Physical Dimensions: 45 × 17.2 cm (17 11/16 × 6 3/4 in.)
  • Type: Horse trapping
  • External Link: Find out more about this object on the Museum website.
  • Medium: Bronze, amber, ivory
  • Terms of Use: Open Content
  • Number: 83.AC.7.2
  • Culture: Greek (South Italian)
  • Credit Line: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California
  • Creator Display Name: Unknown
  • Classification: Armor (Protective Wear)
The J. Paul Getty Museum

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