Illyrian Bronze Helmet

Culture: Greek

Period: 6th century B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 26 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 2257

Provenance: From the private collection of Axel Guttmann, acquired in the 1980s. Last in a French private collection. Accompanied by a French antiquities passport.

Condition: On the left side of the back a small hole, otherwise of very good condition.

Description: Illyrian bronze helmet hammered from a single bronze sheet, with tapering cheek-guards, perforated at the forward tips for suspension on the chin. On the calotte two parallel ridges, creating a quite massive crest. The face section tapering downwards, at the back a flaring neck-guard. The name Illyria goes back to the region on the east coast of the Adriatic Sea, present Serbia and Albania. The Roman historian Appian wrote that the Illyrian lived in the area south from the Macedonians and Thracians. Traditionally the Illyrians were farmers and miners, but during war time they were respected as seasoned soldiers, primarily for the infantry.