Historical information

A safari helmet was also called a pith helmet as it was made of sholapith material. It was first used by the Spanish forces in the Spanish East Indies and by the mid 19th century was used extensively by military forces in tropical countries and then became common civilian headwear for westerners in the tropics by the end of the 19th century. Safari helmets are still won today in tropical countries by both men and women and are part of the dress or ceremonial uniform for many members of the armed forces and music bands.

Significance

This helmet has no known local provenance but is retained for display purposes

Physical description

This is a pith or safari helmet made from a cream-coloured stiffened fabric. The crown has six segments with a small dome on top with three arch-shaped breathing holes. Around the edge of the crown is a white or stiffened cream cloth (puggaree) intertwined in layers and stitched onto the crown. The brim is peaked at the front and oblong at the back and tapered from front to back. The pleated cloth band is stiffened and has two brass clips. The edge of the brim is reinforced, perhaps with wire. Inside the helmet is the brass base of the top dome in eight circular sections. The interior of the helmet has green cloth in a damaged state.