A Brass Helmet From South Sudan
 

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.

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...bc65e81a98.jpg

The last phrase should read, Belle exemplaire, Beautiful example

Oliver, noted and changed.

Like it lots.

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.

Great stuff Colin! Makes me think twice about trying to wear it though!

Thanks for your contribution! :)