(Photo : An 800-year-old "Golden Helmet" was exhibited during the 2013 China Taiyuan International Antiques & Jewelry & Arts Expo)

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On September 6th, 2013, an 800-year-old "Golden Helmet" was exhibited during the 2013 China Taiyuan International Antiques & Jewelry & Arts Expo, drawing wide attention. On the "Golden Helmet", there are unique patterns such as half-body portraits and half-human, half-animal portraits, arousing speculations among antiquarians.

There are several face-to-face half-body portraits and half-human, half-animal portraits on the "Golden Helmet". In addition, there is one human face portrait on each square pendant on the back of the helmet. All the present antiquarians showed their curiosity about the "Golden Helmet", "Half-body portraits and human face portraits have obvious characteristics of the Western Regions. The 'Golden Helmet' must belong to the Royal Family in the Western Regions."

Among the other eight exhibits, there is one cup that not only has human face portraits on it but also incorporates dragon into the design. In addition, there are two bracelets featuring the pattern of "Two dragons are playing a ball", representing Chinese characteristics. The exhibits integrated Chinese and Western characteristics, making them more elusive for antiquarians.

"These exhibits were collected from Qinghai and Sinkiang area. According to analysts, they have a history of about 800 years. Since the golden helmet is much thinner than ordinary helmet, this golden helmet should be used by emperors or envoys when they held ceremonies," said the exhibitor Mr. Zhang.

"As these exhibits both feature Chinese and Western characteristics, they were probably created for the cultural contact between China and the Western Regions. However, the exact date and country when and where the exhibits were unearthed remain to be identified by experts."

Helmets can be traced back to ancient times. Ancient people used materials such as coconut shells and big tortoise shells to protect their heads when tracing beasts and fighting with them. After that, with the development of metallurgy technology and the need of war, golden helmets were invented. It is learned that the first metal helmet invented abroad is a bronze helmet invented in 800 BC.