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Lot Essay
This elaborate Chalcidian helmet is a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the ancient bronzesmith. While the high integral crest recalls helmets of the Phrygian type (named for its resemblance to the leather cap with a forward inclined apex worn by Phrygian and Thracian peoples), Hixenbaugh (op. cit., p. 141) notes that "the design and method of construction were quite different" between the types and were developed independently of one another.
The forward-projecting crest is separately made with wave-shaped projections along its length. Rrepoussé ornamentation in the form of a partially preserved gorgoneion is positioned below the elegantly-curving carinated ridge, which terminates in volutes above the ear-openings. A motif resembling a ship’s bow is engraved on either side above the cheek-guards. Additionally, wings are secured to either side of the crown.
For a similar example in Florence with the addition of repoussé griffins on the cheek-guards, see pp. 652-653 in G. Pugliese Carratelli, ed., The Western Greeks. According to L. Lepore (p. 653 in Pugliese Carratelli, ed., op. cit.), the addition of the griffins on that helmet “could be attributed with a apotropaic significance perhaps combined with protective qualities.” The crest and wings on the present helmet, perhaps suggesting the attributes of a griffin, also likely conferred similar protective properties.
The forward-projecting crest is separately made with wave-shaped projections along its length. Rrepoussé ornamentation in the form of a partially preserved gorgoneion is positioned below the elegantly-curving carinated ridge, which terminates in volutes above the ear-openings. A motif resembling a ship’s bow is engraved on either side above the cheek-guards. Additionally, wings are secured to either side of the crown.
For a similar example in Florence with the addition of repoussé griffins on the cheek-guards, see pp. 652-653 in G. Pugliese Carratelli, ed., The Western Greeks. According to L. Lepore (p. 653 in Pugliese Carratelli, ed., op. cit.), the addition of the griffins on that helmet “could be attributed with a apotropaic significance perhaps combined with protective qualities.” The crest and wings on the present helmet, perhaps suggesting the attributes of a griffin, also likely conferred similar protective properties.