Some period photos of African 'knights'

[Dom]

Originally Posted by Iain

a Portuguese helmet.

Hi Iain
may be more "Spanish comb morion" but doesn't matter
it was an helmet used during the 16th and early 17th centuries,
the morion, though generally identified with Spanish conquistadors,
was common among foot soldiers of European nationalities (several)
but more intriguing ... how this helmet reached the deep South Sahara
I suppose according with ; the native's dress, and environment, could be North Niger ...
spoils of war ? (razzia)(غزو)
item of trade ?
Thanks a lot for sharing with us these amazing postcards

à +

Dom