Africa, particularly Ethiopia, of course, is a distinct possibility, and the African reverence for copper would make it even more probable......plate 26, page 35 of Spring's "African Arms and Armor" shows a helm with similar patterns and the very heavy padded coife worn underneath that even has a set of western cutlery (forks and spoons) attached, from Darfur, late 19th century.
While the metal composition isn't specifically listed, I wouldn't be surprised if both were utilized, with the copper made even more battle worthy when added to the padding underneath.
Mike
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