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The construction of the Viksø helmets

The two helmets are hammered up from a bronze sheet. Each bronze helmet consists of two halves joined by riveting. A cross-shaped fitting is placed over the crown featuring a raised comb and a hooked beak. A deep groove runs along the middle of the comb, in which feathers or tufts of hair could be mounted. Small cylindrical mountings, likewise for feathers or tufts of hair, are also located on the cross-plate bisecting the comb – one on each side. On either side of the beak is a large bulging eye with an arched eyebrow. Two horns are firmly riveted to each helmet with the help of fixed circular fittings. The helmets are also decorated with small bosses.

The construction of the Viksø helmets
This is how the Viksø helmets may have looked. Illustration by Anders Andersson.
The construction of the Viksø helmets
The horned helmets of two men's heads on a horse collar from Fogdarp in Scania, Sweden, bear a strong resemblance to the Viksø helmets. Among others, the two men are furnished with curved beaks on their foreheads. Late Bronze Age.
The construction of the Viksø helmets
Bronze figure from Glasbacka in Halland, Sweden. The figure probably wears a mask with a hooked bird's beak. Late Bronze Age.