African battle headdress

nKante · 8th February 2009, 04:47 AM

I was looking at the pics of the zulu chief from the battle axe thread, and decided to make a head piece for my soft kit. I'm really not to concerned about region. It can be from any in africa. Any suggestions or favorites that might be suitable for a warrior to were into battle?

Tim Simmons · 8th February 2009, 11:00 AM

nKante, these illustrations are from, Christoper Springs African Arms and Armour-British Museum Press. There is an American version too which I have not seen. Anyway this book is a must have.

These are Bini helmets seen on 17-18th century brass plaques which adorned the Benin palace walls. You could use American animal skins like armadillo or alligator if you can get them. You could soak and unravel those gaint hide dog chews to make, stitch/rivet, a helmet around a head form and let it dry out, stain and polish it. Could look very cool done well?

nKante · 8th February 2009, 04:35 PM

My persona is Benin. But I dont know how I feel about the helms. Most of the plaques that look at seem to be the forhead guard over woven fibers or beads. They dont even offer ear or face protection. I like the Zulu style for just that reason. The ear flaps come dowm to offer some cheek protection. I like the rawhide idea. I might do the Benin croc top with zulu ear flaps.

Tim Simmons · 8th February 2009, 06:52 PM

I think artistic license is allowed as to ear and neck protection. Would like to see the results. Might have to make it oversize to take some padding?

Tim Simmons · 18th March 2009, 07:03 PM

nKante if you are still with us, found this pic in "Benin Kings and Rituals- Court Arts from Nigeria"

Freddy · 18th March 2009, 08:06 PM

Not really 'battle dress', but it surely will scare your opponents.

A lot of chickens 'borrowed' their feathers for this headdress.

By the way : it's a Bangala headdress from the Congo.

8th February 2009, 04:47 AM	#1
nKante Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Philly Posts: 72	African battle headdress I was looking at the pics of the zulu chief from the battle axe thread, and decided to make a head piece for my soft kit. I'm really not to concerned about region. It can be from any in africa. Any suggestions or favorites that might be suitable for a warrior to were into battle?

8th February 2009, 11:00 AM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	nKante, these illustrations are from, Christoper Springs African Arms and Armour-British Museum Press. There is an American version too which I have not seen. Anyway this book is a must have. These are Bini helmets seen on 17-18th century brass plaques which adorned the Benin palace walls. You could use American animal skins like armadillo or alligator if you can get them. You could soak and unravel those gaint hide dog chews to make, stitch/rivet, a helmet around a head form and let it dry out, stain and polish it. Could look very cool done well? Attached Images

18th March 2009, 07:03 PM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	nKante if you are still with us, found this pic in "Benin Kings and Rituals- Court Arts from Nigeria" Attached Images

8th February 2009, 04:35 PM	#3
nKante Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Philly Posts: 72	My persona is Benin. But I dont know how I feel about the helms. Most of the plaques that look at seem to be the forhead guard over woven fibers or beads. They dont even offer ear or face protection. I like the Zulu style for just that reason. The ear flaps come dowm to offer some cheek protection. I like the rawhide idea. I might do the Benin croc top with zulu ear flaps.

8th February 2009, 06:52 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	I think artistic license is allowed as to ear and neck protection. Would like to see the results. Might have to make it oversize to take some padding?

18th March 2009, 08:06 PM	#6
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	Not really 'battle dress', but it surely will scare your opponents. A lot of chickens 'borrowed' their feathers for this headdress. By the way : it's a Bangala headdress from the Congo.