Random chosen pictures of the Oriental beauties

[Jens Nordlunde]

Hi B.I., Here is the translation. Although it must have been written after the exhibition in Poland in 1978, it is written in strange Danish.

The helmet belowe comes from the same museum, and the text says, short as it is: Ancient Mogul helmet.

86. Helmet. Circassian, 1785-86. Made by Ali, son of Khadzji Baki. Steel, silver, textile, braid; gilding, Niello, engraving. Height 20.2; diameter 17.1. Origin: prior to 1926 – Marble Palace(?), Leningrad; after 1926 – Eremitage. Inv. No. 3331. Exhibited: Poland, 1978. Bibliography: Bron Kaukazu, page 20, no 5.

The form of the helmet reproduces the types of the Middle Age and the decorations are made in Circassian style. Among the inscriptions which are part of the ornamental composition, the maker Ali, son of Hadzji Baki, is mentioned twice, year 1200 H. (1785-86) and the owner Inajat Krim Girej Bek. It is well known that this type of helmets were part of the parade equipment of the Mountain Lifeguard Squadron around 1840.