Replica, helmet

Replica. This object was dredged from the River Thames at Waterloo Bridge in the 1860s. It is made from pieces of sheet bronze joined together with bronze rivets. The horns represent ferocity and virility and were designed to enhance aggression, although the helmet is unlikely to have been worn in battle. It was probably a special religious offering. The original is in the British Museum. Replica is electroform, copper, lead coated inside; shallac and powder colours with oxidising agents. Made by British Museum Conservation and Technical Services, 1976.