Central Asian helmets of late middle ages and early modern age from the military-historical museum of artillery, engineer and signal corps

The article describes two wealthy decorated iron helmets residing at the Military-Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineer and Signal Corps in Saint Petersburg. Conditions and time of helmets to the museum is unknown. Document analysis allowed to assume that they have been transferred to the funds in the 20's. XX century. Originally helmets were identified by museum staff as «Mongolian XVII». Analysis of its structure and design showed that the helmet No. 0138/95 was used for a long period of time, and it was modified several times. Its crown was made by Central Asian or Iranian craftsmen in 16 th – early 17 th centuries. Later the helmet was supplemented with ear flaps, top cover and box-shaped peak that was made in 17 th – mid-18 th centuries in accordance with Kazakh or Oirat fashion. Such form of the helmet could be used by Kazakh warriors till the early 19 th century. The helmet No. 0138/120 was made by Central Asian armorers by the order of some wealthy Oirat or Kazakh warrior in the 17 th – 18 th centuries. Iron Dome helmet adorned with plates of brass and coral. Protecting the neck of the iron rings was added to it later (perhaps in the XX century.). The original neck protection consisted of iron plates connected by leather straps, or sewn onto the fabric. Both helmets are a striking example of cooperation between military and cultural traditions of West Asia and Central Asia. In its historical and artistic value, they are on a par with the best of Asian martial and ceremonial helmets XVI–XVIII centuries.