Helmet
Unknown Artist
18th–19th century
Medium
Horn, leather, hair (all water buffalo)
Dimensions
H. 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm); W. 10 3/8 in. (26.4 cm); D. 13 1/8 in. (33.3 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 8.6 oz. (1151 g)
Classification
Helmets
Culture
Philippine, Moro
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Accession Number
36.25.98
Art Historical Context
This remarkable helmet, crafted by an unknown Moro artist in the Philippines during the 18th19th century, exemplifies the ingenuity of indigenous craftsmanship in Southeast Asia. Made entirely from water buffalo horn, leather, and hair, it measures about 11 inches high and weighs just over 2 pounds, it both lightweight for battle and impressively durable. The use of these natural materials highlights the Moro people's resourcefulness, drawing from the abundant water buffalo central to their agrarian and warrior lifestyles. Belonging to the Moro culture—an indigenous Muslim group in the southe...