Helmet

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This helmet is a type of ceremonial armor made of tombak, a copper alloy that was mercury gilded to imitate the appearance of gold. Tombak was made only in the Ottoman Empire and was used to produce helmets, shields, shaffrons, and several other types of metal objects such as candlesticks, braziers, and basins.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art