Spider Helmet

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the most bizarre head defenses ever designed, the so-called spider helmet takes its name from the arrangement of narrow bars hinged around the rim of the domed bowl and projecting peak recalling the legs radiating from a spider's body. The hanging bars encircled the head and offered protection against cutting blows from swords. When not in use, the bars were folded up and their ends fitted beneath the spring-held disk at the apex. A turn of the screw at the front released the spring, causing the disk to pop up and the bars to fall into place. The bowl retains its padded lining.

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