Page:History of Art in Primitive Greece - Mycenian Art Vol 2.djvu/312

 The Human Figure as Decorative Element. 259 (F'ig. 373) is without a moustache or beard, but the male sex is inferred from the helmet surmounting it. Its shape is conical, like that of the statuettes, and is known from several other figures (Figs. 349-351); it ends in a crest, with an incised rosette on its upper face. The drawing is good, and the details have been so well attended to that they enable us to guess of what substance the helmets were made. If I am not mistaken, the head-gear consisted of a leather or felt cap, covered with metal plates, fastened together by circular strips likewise of metal, narrowing from base to crown. I think I can perceive the elasticity of the bronze in the curves of these parallel laminse. The helmet-cap, which was composed of thin plates Fig. 375. — Fi-agment of vase. Actual size. united with one another by wire or rivets, afforded an efficient protection against missiles or sword-cuts. The cheek-piece, similarly fashioned, covered the ear, and was passed under the chin for security. It is hard to understand, even on the Spata example, where the accessories are not so plainly indicated as they are here, how this head-covering could ever have been taken for a wig.^ Our helmet comes out clear and distinct from the hair. This falls in a row of curls over the forehead, or in heavy masses on the nape of the neck, where it is crimped in three ridges. The features are regular, and instinct with dignity. The nose is long and straight. The eye is large, well cut, and almond-shaped. In the centre of the eyeball is a tiny round hole, into which was inserted a bronze nail or coloured stone, to mark the pupil. The mouth is small, and the lips of moderate size. What does this helmeted warrior, whom we ^ MiLCHoFER, Athenische Mittheilungen,