Two bronze helmets

Period: Archaic

Date: late 7th century B.C.

Culture: Greek, Cretan

Medium: Bronze

Dimensions: H. (1989.281.49): 9 5/8 in. (24.5 cm)
H. (1989.281.50): 8 1/4 in. (21 cm)

Classification: Bronzes

Credit Line: Gift of Norbert Schimmel Trust, 1989

Accession Number: 1989.281.49, .50

Description

These helmets and the three mitrai exhibited below them are the finest pieces of a large cache of armor that came to light in southern central Crete, where it was undoubtedly made. The inscriptions suggest that the armor was captured as booty and offered as a dedication. In repoussé on both sides of one helmet is a pair of winged youths grasping a pair of intertwined snakes. Below them are two panthers with a common head. The helmet is inscribed "Neopolis." In repoussé on both sides of the other helmet is a horse; incised on each cheekpiece is a lion. The inscription states that Synenitos, the son of Euklotas, took this object.

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