Need ID On Woven Helmet

[trenchwarfare]

Boy, it's been a while since I posted here. I just won this thing, so these are the only pictures I have. Looks to be woven from some pretty thick rattan, or whatever. So, I think helmet, not hat. You can see, where the chinstrap/suspension was attached. Whatizzit? Was supposedly brought back from the Pacific, by a British soldier. I've seen old photos of warriors/soldiers wearing similar helmets. But can't remember from where. Southeast Asia? Any info, much appreciated.

[Timo Nieminen]

Looks Taiwanese. Conical woven rattan helmets are traditional Taiwanese aboriginal armour.

Conical rattan helmets were also used in China, 19th century (and earlier), and perhaps into the 20th. Woven rattan helmets, non-conical, were used in Indonesia/Philippines, so I wouldn't be surprised if conical ones were used there too.

[josh stout]

I agree, it looks like a Chinese one I have. The central piece of wood seems a bit odd. It looks like it, the hat, and the nail have been together for a long time, but could it have been added after the purchase when it was brought home by the British gentleman? Perhaps it helped mount the hat?
Josh

[trenchwarfare]

Thanks guys. The nail was added, to hang the helmet. From? Don't know about the wood finial. I questioned the Pacific islands cuz, most of that action was taken on by US troops. Other than New Quinea. The majority of the British served in the CBI theater.

[Timo Nieminen]

Vietnam? There were (I think) British occupation forces in Vietnam after World War 2. Conical rattan helmets were used in Vietnam.

An earlier thread discussing such a helmet: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5894

[trenchwarfare]

Helmet arrived yesterday. It is indeed a helmet. The spiral main body, is 3/8" thick, tightly woven together. Then lacquered. I assume, the wood finial, was for attachment of feathers, or other flashy ge-gaws. Very typical of 19th century Vietnamese helmets, I've seen pictured. It will go well, with my guns.