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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1959.198
Title
Khula Khud (Helmet)
Classification
Armor
Work Type
armor
Date
Late 18th-19th century
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/216633

Location

Location
Level 2, Room 2590, South Asian Art, South Asia in the Medieval and Early Modern Eras
View this object's location on our interactive map

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Steel, gold
Technique
Kuftgari
Dimensions
19.5 x 21 cm (7 11/16 x 8 1/4 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Edwin L. Beckwith
Accession Year
1959
Object Number
1959.198
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
The helmet consists of a steel bowl, which has been stained brown, decorated with swirls, arabesques, flowers, and geometric forms executed in gold false-damascening. Mounted to the top of the bowl is a plume holder with a carved lotus flower base. It is decorated with flowers in gold false-damascening, and would have held feathers of either a heron or peacock. Screwed to the front of the helmet is a nasal guard that terminates, at both ends, into a triangular shape with scalloped edges. The latch system of the nasal guard and the screws that secure it to the helmet are datable to the 19th century. The entire nasal guard is decorated with flowers, swirls, and geometric forms. The nasal guard is flanked by two plume holders, which are also riveted to the bowl. The aventail is made of small, very fine riveted steel links that are connected to the helmet by larger links. The aventail terminates into three dags; two on the sides so that they drape down the shoulders, and one in the back so that it drapes down the back of the neck.
The helmet was intended for ceremonial or processional purposes.

Exhibition History

  • 32Q: 2590 South and Southeast Asia, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 11/06/2019 - 01/01/2050

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu