Northern Italy, Etruria, ca. 500 to 450 BCE. A rare to find bronze Negau type helmet, breast and backplate ensemble, unusual for their preserved golden finish (as these were found in a river), superb condition, and the Etruscan owner mark on the helmet. A similar example, though with less complete shoulder straps, hammered at Christie's NY (8 June 2012, Lot 118) for $74,500. Size: helmet - 9.5" L x 8.25" W x 8.25" H (24.1 cm x 21 cm x 21 cm); breast and back plates each measure 11" L x 10.75" W (27.9 cm x 27.3 cm); hinged straps and attaching hardware 9" L x 1.75" W (22.9 cm x 4.4 cm)

This helmet of this ensemble has been identified as a Negau type (also known as the Vetulonic type) helmet, named for the village in Slovenia where such helmets were initially found. It is comprised of hammered bronze sheet, and the attractive form presents a characteristically high-domed crown, a median comb-shaped ridge running front to back, a carinated area above the brim, the rim flanged and decorated with impressed egg-and-dart motifs, the area above the carination with impressed feathered plume motifs, with two perforations along the rim, and additional ornament at the crown with two inverted teardrop-shaped appliques, possibly once fitted with feathers or other decorative attachments. Beyond this, an incised owner mark graces one side of the helmet, near the median ridge, just above the plume motifs above the carinated area. The designs of the breast and backplate each present three encircled convex disks, cut-out ridged plaques riveted to the upper edge, with two wide hinges for the shoulder straps. Both plates have a pair of attached loops at the lower ends, one pair with suspended rings for further attachment. A remarkable example of Etruscan bronze armor, replete with impressive artistry and technique, exceedingly rare to find as an ensemble, so well-preserved and with that gorgeous gold river patina.

Why have ancient suits of armor been found in rivers? Some have attributed this phenomenon to accidental losses; however, according to recent scholarship, discoveries of ancient armor in aquatic environments may be the result of intentional practices. Some have suggested that the ancients' veneration of water played a significant role, that gear found in waters was the consequence of a conscious religious act, a dedication of armor and weapons as a religious rite. Others have argued that when ancient warriors who were forced into retreat came upon a river, they elected to toss their armor in the waters, since it would be next to impossible to cross a river wearing such heavy gear. Depositing the armor on the enemy's land was not viewed upon as an attractive option, because the warriors feared that their foes would either use the armor to impersonate them during ensuing battles or melt the armor down for the valuable precious metals. For further discussions, see Brandon Olson's "The Dedication of Roman Weapons and Armor in Water as a Religious Ritual" Popular Archaeology (May 27, 2011).



Provenance: Ex-private South Carolina collection; ex-Liebert & Lenkert Ausgrabungen collection, Krefeld, Germany; ex-private Aberdeen, South Dakota collection.

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#120001

Rare preserved golden finish (found in river, hence no green patina). Some areas of discoloration and mineral deposits. Stabilization to the crest. A few small areas of repair/stabilization to the crown. Teardrop shaped appliques at crest of helmet show bending and losses. Hinged straps joining breast and back plates in excellent condition. A few rings missing from looped attachments on breast/back plates.