Chalcidian Helmet - Reproduction

Chalcidian Helmet: Parade Armor for a Hero

This Chalcidian helmet reproduction carries a griffin's head on its peak. Wings flank the helmet above the ears. Metal coils sit just inside them, where tall feather plumes once stood. It is a Greek helmet replica in resin with metal coils.

The ancient bronze original is in the Getty Museum, object number 93.AC.27. It was made in southern Italy in the later fourth century BCE. This griffin helmet is unusually elaborate for its type.

Product Details

• Material: Resin with metal coils
• Size: H 4 1/2 in x W 2 1/2 in x D 4 in
• Gift box included
• Item number: MRHELM

Light, Hinged and Ornate

Chalcidian helmets were lighter and less cumbersome than other Greek helmets. Their hinged cheekpieces are a signature feature. Wikipedia notes that the type developed from the Corinthian helmet. Changes improved hearing and vision. The Metropolitan Museum owns a hinged example from the fifth or fourth century BCE.

This Chalcidian helmet is a South Italian variation. Its decoration is far richer than that of a plain field helmet.

Every Chalcidian helmet deserves a good look under bright, even light.

Reading the Decoration

A griffin's head crowns the peak. Engraved on the brow are a diadem and the locks of hair around it. The damaged cheekpieces show strands of a beard and an animal, perhaps a goat.

Helmets this ornate were probably not worn in battle. They may have served as ceremonial parade armor. Kenneth Hamma, then of the Getty, noted that griffin helmets were usually linked to gods or heroes. He suggested this one may honor a hero or a dead warrior.

Source Object

Title: Helmet of Chalcidian type. Culture: Greek (South Italian). Date: about 350-300 BCE. Medium: Bronze. Object number: 93.AC.27.

Displaying the Helmet

Set this Greek helmet replica on a shelf at eye level so the griffin shows. A Getty helmet reproduction looks best against a plain wall. Dust it with a soft, dry cloth and keep the coils free of snags.

For anyone drawn to Greek helmet replica, this piece offers a closer look. This piece belongs with Greek helmet replica that you may already own or admire. This piece belongs with griffin helmet that you may already own or admire.

Curators often say that Getty helmet reproduction rewards slow looking. Here, Getty helmet reproduction becomes something you can hold or display. Readers interested in Getty helmet reproduction will find the notes here a helpful guide.

More classical pieces are in our Greek and Roman collection. Pair this griffin helmet with other armor or busts from the same collection.

Greek Armor and the Hoplite

Greek hoplites were foot soldiers from the wealthier city-states. The Metropolitan Museum says they carried about seventy pounds of armor, mostly bronze. A helmet, a cuirass, shin guards and a large shield made up the kit. Ornate helmets like this one belong to a more ceremonial world.

For More Reading from the Web

• Follow the hoplite from spear and shield to helmet and greaves. Warfare in Ancient Greece - Heilbrunn Timeline, Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Compare a hinged Chalcidian helmet in New York. Bronze helmet of Chalcidian type - Metropolitan Museum of Art