Barbute (from the Venetian Garrison at Chalcis)

c. 1350–1420

North Italy, 14th-15th century

Medium

iron

Measurements

Overall: 29 x 21 x 25 cm (11 7/16 x 8 1/4 x 9 13/16 in.); Sleeves: 43.2 cm (17 in.)
Weight: 1.58 kg (3.48 lbs.)

Credit Line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1923.1065

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Location

210A Armor Court

Did You Know?

This helmet and a number of others were apparently excavated from the Venetian garrison at Chalcis on the Greek island of Euboea.

Description

This is a rare example of a type of helmet used from about 1350 to 1480. Its conical shape deflected glancing blows to the head. Italian chronicles refer to professional men-at-arms as barbuti. The word derives from the Italian barba, or beard, a reference to the hood of mail often attached to these early helmets. The row of small holes along the face opening and neck were for the attachment of the hood and lining.