nKante, these illustrations are from, Christoper Springs African Arms and Armour-British Museum Press. There is an American version too which I have not seen. Anyway this book is a must have.
These are Bini helmets seen on 17-18th century brass plaques which adorned the Benin palace walls. You could use American animal skins like armadillo or alligator if you can get them. You could soak and unravel those gaint hide dog chews to make, stitch/rivet, a helmet around a head form and let it dry out, stain and polish it. Could look very cool done well?
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