Eight-Plate Helmet

Unknown

8th–10th century · Iron, copper alloy, leather · Arms and Armor

A forerunner of the classic Tibetan eight-plate style, this helmet appears to be the earliest extant helmet, and possibly the earliest piece of metal armor with clearly distinguishable Tibetan characteristics. It includes a unique combination of features found on various forms of segmented helmets with riveted construction, which were in use across Eurasia from about the fourth century onward. Features specific to later Tibetan helmets are the basic eight-plate construction, the subtly cusped edges of the outer plates of the helmet bowl, and the distinctively Tibetan form of the plume finial.

Artist

Unknown

Date

8th–10th century

Medium

Iron, copper alloy, leather

Culture

possibly Tibetan

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gift, 2002