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Kulah Khud (Helmet)

Kulah Khud (Helmet)

Culture: Persian

Date: 17th - 18th century
Medium: steel, gold
Dimensions:
Overall (including mail): 22 1/2 x 8 1/2 in. (57.2 x 21.6 cm)
Overall (not including mail): 9 3/4 x 8 1/2 in. (24.8 x 21.6 cm)
Credit Line:Museum Purchase
Object number: 1930.400.1

A “kulah khud”, or “cap helmet”, was used throughout Northern India and Persia (modern-day Iran) for several centuries for both combat and ceremonial display. This armor design dates from the Qajar period (1785 – 1925), when Iran waged many wars with Imperial Russia, which resulted in Iran losing much territory to Russia and the British Empire.

This helmet is inscribed with a hunting design and figures sitting and conversing. The riveted rim has a protective hanging mail neck guard and adjustable nose piece. The crown has two plume holders and the gold-inlaid crest plate features a quadrangular spike. 

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