Helmet of Weisenau Type and Dolabra, Roman, ca. 250 C.E. at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City

Helmet of Weisenau Type and Dolabra, Roman, ca. 250 C.E. at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
In its complete state, this exceptionally rare and well-preserved Roman infantry helmet of iron and copper alloy would have also included a pair of broad cheekpieces. The name Julius Mansuetus––the owner of the helmet, probably an officer––is inscribed on the neck guard. The meaning of the mice and loaves of bread that adorn the back of the bowl is not known. They possibly had a devotional function. Found with the helmet, the dolabra is a pickaxe traditionally carried by Roman infantry. Its copper alloy sheath would have been used to cap the cutting blade.




Images: Helmet of Weisenau Type and Dolabra, Roman, ca. 250 C.E. at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City courtesy of the museum and licensed (PD). This piece is currently on view in gallery 370 of The Met's 5th Avenue location. Note the little mice on either side of the center reinforcement strip.

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