Lot 22
Ancient Central / Eastern Europe, Black Sea region, Scythian, ca. 5th to 4th century BCE. A rare bronze helmet, formed from two riveted halves with a strong central ridge and boldly defined browline. The crown is adorned with raised spiraling horns in relief on each side of the skull, evoking the symbolic power of a ram. Wide, hinged cheek guards with rounded edges frame the face, while a short nasal provided both protection and visibility. The surface bears a rich green patina from long burial, with areas of careful restoration, attesting to its ancient life and survival. Likely once serving as a funerary offering, this helmet embodies the martial prestige of an elite warrior. This helmet has been identified as a Pseudo-Chalcidian type, prized for its balance of protection and mobility, qualities that made it favored across both Greek and peripheral cultures. This example - with its rare horns - is a striking survival from the Classical world. Size: 8.75" W x 10.75" H (22.2 cm x 27.3 cm)
Scholars and collectors debate the classification of helmets like this, as workshops across the Black Sea, Thrace, and Scythia produced variants with overlapping traits. As a result, such helmets are often described with multiple cultural labels, reflecting the fluid exchange of styles across the Mediterranean and steppe in the 5th-4th centuries BCE. Of note, a similar helmet as this example, was uncovered in a necropolis near Mezmay, Russia, underscoring the wide geographic reach of this type.
Provenance: ex-Dr. Van Roozendaal collection, Netherlands, 1970s-1980s
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#196867
- Condition: Professionally restored. Small perforation through the top right curved horn and left horn. Cheek plates appear to be restored from several pieces with infill. Repairs are nearly indiscernible. Scratch across right cheek plate.
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