Spanish, the helmet possibly produced in Italy, found in New Mexico, ca. 16th century CE. This ensemble brings images of Hernan Cortes and Francisco Pizarro proudly establishing Spanish dominion over the New World - or if you are a literature and musical theater buff like me, perhaps Don Quijote. A Spanish conquistador's helmet and body armor known as chainmail, also spelled chain mail or chain maille. The iron chain maille is comprised of countless small metal rings that are linked together to form a mesh garment. A coat of armour such as this is oftentimes referred to as a hauberk. Interestingly the use of mail as battle armor was relatively common in the Iron Age and the Middle Ages. Note that the famous "Bayeux Tapestry" shows images of Norman and Anglo-Saxon soldiers donning mail armour, even including a scene depicting one soldier stripping the maille hauberk from the body of a deceased enemy. However, between the 16th and 17th centuries, maille armour became less popular. Since the Spanish first set foot in New Mexico in 1540, this piece is likely a 16th century example, making it quite rare. The iron and bronze helmet was possibly created in Spain, but departs from the expected 16th century morion form that typically presents a crest from front to back. Instead this helmet seems to be more akin to the cabasset form which was introduced in Italy around the same time. According to scholars, pilgrims brought the cabasset helmet to the New World, and just like the Spanish morion, it was worn by infantry during pike and shot formations. Notice the bronze stalk-like projection with beautiful green patina at the back. This was used to insert colorful feathers. A magnficent ensemble of conquistador armor! Size of hauberk: 22.6" W x 25.5" H (57.4 cm x 64.8 cm); Sizeof helmet: 10.25" L x 8.15" W x 7" H (26 cm x 20.7 cm x 17.8 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Private New Mexico collection

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