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View Full Version : A Brass Helmet From South Sudan


CharlesS
19th June 2017, 02:51 PM
Brass helmets are not unknown in West Africa south of the Sahara, but in the east they are less well known. Here is an example of a rather rare one from the Lopid(and likely other surrounding peoples) of the south Sudan. I am guessing it is an early 20th century piece.

The helmet is 8in. high(minus the plume) and 6in. wide, and is 8 roughly made hammered brass plates fitted on to a shell made from matted hair and resin creating a sort of inner helmet. For comfort's sake it is likely something else as worn as a sort of liner.

An old postcard of a Lopid warrior with a practically identical helmet in included.

estcrh
20th June 2017, 06:52 PM
Warrior helmet Lotuko / Luntu - Sudan Plant fibers - earth - brass - ostrich feathers H .: 33 cm - Diam .: 20 cm Warrior helmet helmet whose brass plates ensure effective protection. Beautiful example.

Casque de guerrier Lotuko/Luntu - Soudan Fibres végétales - terre - laiton - plumes d'autruche H.: 33 cm - Diam.: 20 cm Casque heaume de guerrier dont les plaques de laiton assurent une protection efficace. Bel exemplaire

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/74/74/8b/74748b0e88252c180470a9bc65e81a98.jpg

Oliver Pinchot
20th June 2017, 07:23 PM
The last phrase should read, Belle exemplaire, Beautiful example

estcrh
20th June 2017, 11:37 PM
The last phrase should read, Belle exemplaire, Beautiful exampleOliver, noted and changed.

Tim Simmons
21st June 2017, 10:49 AM
Like it lots.

colin henshaw
27th June 2017, 12:32 PM
A fine piece, congratulations.

Major P H G Powell-Cotton mentions these Latuka helmets in his book "In Unknown Africa", 1904 and here is a relevant extract.

CharlesS
27th June 2017, 09:08 PM
Great stuff Colin! Makes me think twice about trying to wear it though!

Thanks for your contribution! :)