Published Hellenistic Pilos Helmet with Horns and Gorgone

Culture: Greek

Period: 3rd century B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 40 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 2322

Provenance: Collection Hermann Born, Berlin, Germany. On 12 May 1989 sold to Claus-Eberhard Schultze, Berlin, Germany. Since then in a family estate.

Condition: One horn broken and professionally reattached without any missing parts. Otherwise only small closed holes and very well preserved.

Description: Spectacular pilos helmet with riveted, curved horns and an antenna fork on the crown where the plume was affixed. On both sides applied small bronze cogs with four perforations, whereas two holes were drilled through the helmet rim for fixation of the chinstraps. On the front a bronze applique in form of a gorgone’s head to frighten off the enemies. The type of pilos helmet came up during the 5th century B.C. and owes its name and form to the Greek felt cap (pilos). Characteristically for the helmet are the high, conical calotte and the protruding broad rim. Helmets with abundant decorative applications such as the present one are very rare and were especially found in southern Italy. Published in: Randall Hixenbaugh, "Ancient Greek Helmets: A Complete Guide and Catalog", H 275.