Iron Misyurka Helmet, 16th–17th Century

The misyurka was an old military cap with an iron crown, one of the varieties of helmet. This example was forged from iron in Russia in the 16th–17th centuries.

According to Max Vasmer’s etymological dictionary, the name goes back to the Arabic “Misr”, the name for Egypt. Misyurkas appeared in Western Asia around the 14th century and later spread to the Caucasus, Rus, Hungary and India. The iron crown could be almost hemispherical, reaching down to the forehead, or quite flat, a bowl-like plate. A mail net, the barmitsa (aventail), was always attached to its edge and could cover the neck, the shoulders and even the face.

Such a helmet protected mainly against cutting blows: the padding softened the impact, so a misyurka could withstand a moderate sabre stroke but gave poor protection against heavier weapons. In Rus it remained in use up to the 17th century, and it was considered one of the least expensive helmets.