Eight-Plate Helmet

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

A forerunner of the classic Tibetan eight-plate style, this helmet appears to be the earliest extant helmet, and possibly the earliest piece of metal armor with clearly distinguishable Tibetan characteristics. It includes a unique combination of features found on various forms of segmented helmets with riveted construction, which were in use across Eurasia from about the fourth century onward. Features specific to later Tibetan helmets are the basic eight-plate construction, the subtly cusped edges of the outer plates of the helmet bowl, and the distinctively Tibetan form of the plume finial.

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