Helmet with Talismanic Inscriptions

Unknown

18th–early 19th century · Steel; damascened with gold · Islamic Art

Although this helmet was a serviceable military object, it was probably used as an accessory of a parade armour. Forged from watered steel and damascened in gold with talismanic inscriptions, it contains an invocation to 'Ali, the son-in-law and cousin of the Prophet, and calls upon him for protection against harm and danger. The verses are distinctly Shi'i, and commonly found on objects from the Timurid through the Qajar periods in Iran and Central Asia.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th–early 19th century

Medium

Steel; damascened with gold

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891