Ca. 600-400 BC. A Chalcidian helmet, crafted from tinned bronze features a domed crown, a flared neck guard, and moveable hinged cheekpieces that provide excellent protection to the wearer's face and head. What distinguishes the Chalcidian helmet from other ancient helmets is its mask-like front, which features eye cuts that have been carefully crafted, and a nose guard that reaches down to provide additional protection. This distinctive design, which bears a striking resemblance to the human face, has led many to speculate about the spiritual and symbolic significance of this helmet. The name "Chalcidian" is derived from the ancient Greek city of Chalcis, where this style of helmet was first crafted. The Chalcidian helmet was highly prized for its superior design and craftsmanship, and it became the preferred choice of armor for many ancient warriors, including the Greeks, Romans, and Macedonians. Cf. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, accession number 54.2468.Size: L:300mm / W:280mm ; 975gProvenance: Central London gallery; formerly with a European collector, previously acquired from a gallery in Brussels; formerly in a collection of Ing Peter Till formed in 1980s, Vienna; later in Flemish collection of Mr. L. De Backer.