Boar's Tusk Helmet

Background

The boar's tusk helmet is a type of ancient helmet made from the tusks of wild boars, commonly associated with Mycenaean Greece during the Late Bronze Age (circa 1600–1100 BCE). These helmets are mentioned in literary sources and have been found in archaeological contexts, providing valuable insights into Mycenaean warfare, craftsmanship, and cultural practices. Here is a detailed exploration of the boar's tusk helmet:

Description and Construction

Materials: The helmet was constructed using a leather or felt cap as the base, onto which boar's tusks were sewn. The tusks were typically cut into oblong pieces and arranged in rows to cover the helmet.
Structure: The helmets were designed to provide protection for the head while also being lightweight. The boar's tusks were durable and offered significant protection against cuts and blows.
Decoration: In addition to the functional tusks, some helmets were decorated with additional materials such as bronze cheekpieces or horsehair plumes to enhance their appearance and possibly signify the wearer's status.

Historical Context and Use

Mycenaean Greece: The boar's tusk helmet is primarily associated with the Mycenaean civilization, which flourished in mainland Greece during the Late Bronze Age. These helmets are indicative of the martial culture and the importance of warfare in Mycenaean society.
Literary References: The boar's tusk helmet is famously mentioned in Homer's "Iliad" (Book 10), where it is described as part of the armor of the hero Odysseus:
- "Meriones gave Odysseus a bow, quiver, and sword, and on his head he set a helmet made of leather with a string and lined with rows of boar's tusks expertly stitched."
Archaeological Evidence: Several examples of boar's tusk helmets have been discovered in archaeological excavations, particularly in graves and tombs, indicating their use in both life and death.

Notable Discoveries

Dendra Panoply: One of the most famous examples of a boar's tusk helmet comes from the Dendra Panoply, a complete set of Mycenaean armor found in a tomb at Dendra near Argos. The helmet from this assemblage is well-preserved and showcases the typical construction techniques.
Other Sites: Boar's tusk helmet fragments have also been found at various other Mycenaean sites, including Mycenae, Pylos, and Tiryns. These findings help to confirm the widespread use of such helmets across Mycenaean Greece.

Significance and Legacy

Warfare and Craftsmanship: The use of boar's tusks to create helmets reflects the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Mycenaean craftsmen. These helmets provided effective protection and demonstrate the advanced state of Mycenaean military technology.
Cultural Symbolism: The boar's tusk helmet may have also had symbolic significance, possibly representing strength and prowess in battle. The use of boar tusks, associated with the ferocity of the animal, could have been intended to imbue the wearer with similar qualities.
Connection to Later Cultures: While the boar's tusk helmet is specific to the Mycenaean period, the concept of using natural materials for armor can be seen in various forms in other cultures. The helmets provide a link between the martial traditions of the Mycenaeans and those of subsequent Greek civilizations.

Conclusion

The boar's tusk helmet is an iconic artifact of Mycenaean Greece, illustrating the martial culture, craftsmanship, and resourcefulness of the period. Mentioned in literary sources and found in archaeological contexts, these helmets offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of Mycenaean warriors. The use of boar's tusks for protective gear highlights the innovative use of available materials and reflects the cultural significance of warfare in Mycenaean society. The boar's tusk helmet remains an important symbol of ancient Greek military heritage and craftsmanship.

Sources

The Shaft Graves, Dartmouth College

Nobuo Komita, The Grave Circles at Mycenae and the Early Indo-Europeans

Kilian-Dirlmeier, I (1997). Das mittelbronzezeitliche Schachtgrab von Αegina. Mainz. p. 46.

Everson, Tim (2004). Warfare in Ancient Greece: Arms and Armour from the Heroes of Homer to Alexander the Great. The History Press. pp. 9–10.