While crude looking at first glance, it is still a feat of blacksmithing to think it was forged from a single piece of steel, much like the ancient Greek helm of bronze. This helmet, however, must have been more challenging to make. The imperfections make it all the more interesting, proof that it was made by a craftsman rather than a machine.
I imagine that this was a soldier's helmet, though perhaps it never saw battle. The central ridge and shape of the dome would have assisted in sword/ax blows glancing off the steel and sliding off.
On display at the DIA.
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