LOT 0229

Levantine Helmet with Opposing Ibexes

8TH CENTURY B.C.

9 in. (12 3/8 in.) (458 grams, 23 cm high (2.36 kg total, 31.5 cm high including stand)).

A Levantine or Assyrian domed bronze helmet of ovoid shape with slightly pointed top and integral cheek-pieces; chased low-relief decoration to both front and back depicting insignia of a pair of opposing ibexes flanking a small palm tree; the edge with regularly disposed holes for fastening of the leather lining; accompanied by a custom-made display stand.

Acquired 1960s-1990s.
Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11386-190447.

Cf. Barron, A.E., Late Assyrian Arms and Armour, Art versus Artefact, Toronto, 2010; Borchardt, J., Homerische Helme: Helmenformen der Ágāis in ihren Beziehungen zu orientalischen und europäischen Helmen in der Bronze-und frühen Eisenzeit, Mainz, 1972, p.99 and pls.31, 32, 3; Gorelik, M., Weapons of Ancient East, IV millennium BC-IV century BC, Saint Petersburg (2003) in Russian; Dezső, T., The Assyrian Army, I. The structure of the Neo-Assyrian army as reconstructed from the Assyrian Palace Reliefs and Cuneiform Sources, 2. Cavalry and Chariotry, Budapest, 2012; similar helmets in Gorelik, 2003, pl.LXI, nos.45, 48, 78.

This rare helmet is an unusual example of a conical strap-helmet, linked with similar Greek strap helmets, but until now in the Near East, known only from the Assyrian reliefs. It is shown together with the crested helmets, on the reliefs of Tiglapilaser III and Sennacherib.