Sixteen-Plate Helmet

Unknown

15th–17th century · Iron, hair (yak), leather · Arms and Armor

The classic and most recognizable type of Tibetan helmet consists of eight overlapping plates joined by leather laces. This helmet is a much rarer form made up of sixteen plates, of which the outer plates have cusped edges drawn to steep points. It is very similar to a helmet belonging to a Tibetan armor in the British Museum, on deposit from the Royal Collections, which was among several items presented to King George V by the Thirteenth Dalai Lama in 1912.

Artist

Unknown

Date

15th–17th century

Medium

Iron, hair (yak), leather

Culture

Tibetan

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Funds from various donors, by exchange, 2017