UNKNOWN TRIBAL HELMET - HELP WITH ID

David · 28th April 2014, 06:36 PM

It is certainly interesting, but honestly it does not look all that old. Not made yesterday, but i would stop short of describing it as "early colonial". The leather looks in pretty good shape, i don't see much staining on the inside that i would expect to see from wear and there isn't too much balding of the fur on the outside of the helmet. I would guess this is from the second half of the 20th century at best.

Jim McDougall · 28th April 2014, 11:46 PM

I agree, this is not that old, though I think what was being suggested was that it was a native copy of a European pith helmet, or of such forms made by colonials in these regions in earlier times. These then possibly became part of traditional items made by locals.

One of the things that became quite common in colonial settings was indeed that keeping arms and armor serviceable was difficult at best as supplies were not readily available and long periods between replenishment was typical. In the Spanish colonial settings in the American Southwest, it was well established that cuir boulli ( boiled leather armor) remained in use into the 18th century, centuries after becoming essentially obsolete in Europe.

It seems like fashioning leather items was well established in Kenya with the Maasai using cowhide for shields as well as the Zulu tribes far to the south in Africa who also used cowhide on their shields. It seems unusual to see headgear using cowhide though .

David · 29th April 2014, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

I agree, this is not that old, though I think what was being suggested was that it was a native copy of a European pith helmet…

Thanks Jim, i'm glad we agree, but i was responding to Colin's suggestion, not yours…

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 29th April 2014, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

Thanks Jim, i'm glad we agree, but i was responding to Colin's suggestion, not yours…

Salaams, With respect David; So are we now only responding to originators suggestions or is this still a Forum concept where everyone is capable of joining in?
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

28th April 2014, 06:36 PM	#1
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,220	It is certainly interesting, but honestly it does not look all that old. Not made yesterday, but i would stop short of describing it as "early colonial". The leather looks in pretty good shape, i don't see much staining on the inside that i would expect to see from wear and there isn't too much balding of the fur on the outside of the helmet. I would guess this is from the second half of the 20th century at best.

28th April 2014, 11:46 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,336	I agree, this is not that old, though I think what was being suggested was that it was a native copy of a European pith helmet, or of such forms made by colonials in these regions in earlier times. These then possibly became part of traditional items made by locals. One of the things that became quite common in colonial settings was indeed that keeping arms and armor serviceable was difficult at best as supplies were not readily available and long periods between replenishment was typical. In the Spanish colonial settings in the American Southwest, it was well established that cuir boulli ( boiled leather armor) remained in use into the 18th century, centuries after becoming essentially obsolete in Europe. It seems like fashioning leather items was well established in Kenya with the Maasai using cowhide for shields as well as the Zulu tribes far to the south in Africa who also used cowhide on their shields. It seems unusual to see headgear using cowhide though .