Greek Terracotta Head of a Youth Wearing Pilos Helmet:
Magna Graecia, South Italic Colonies, early Hellenistic, ca. 5th to 4th century CE. A handsome mold-made pottery head of a youth wearing a pilos or pileus, the traditional pointed helmet worn by the Hellenistic infantrymen, indicating that he may be the Greek god Hermes (Roman Mercury), part of an equestrian group, or simply a young man. The ancient visage displays almond-shaped eyes beneath an arched brow, a naturalistic nose, and full lips, all capped by flowing waves of hair. Size: 2.875″ W x 4.25″ H (7.3 cm x 10.8 cm); 9.25″ H (23.5 cm) on included custom stand.
The pilos was made traditionally from a single sheet of bronze hammered into a cone, allowing armies to quickly equip large numbers of soldiers. They were in use from around the time of the Peloponnesian War (431 to 404 BCE) to 150 BCE.
