THE MANY FACES OF A HELMET.THE HISTORY OF AN EXCEPTIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERY: THE CELTIC “GRAVE” FROM SILIVAȘ (II)

This paper investigates the biography of one of the most notable Celtic artefacts from Transylvania – the Late Iron Age helmet from Silivaș. Aside from its unusual design and decoration, the helmet’s importance lies in its discovery history, its treatment within scholarship, and its visual legacy. First published in 1925 as part of a supposed warrior’s grave, the find has been frequently referenced in discussions on Celtic migrations, weapon typologies, and art, while also raising questions about the integrity of the assemblage. By analysing a century of publications, from the original drawing to contemporary photographs, we demonstrate how the helmet’s meaning has been continually reshaped by shifting archaeological paradigms, restoration efforts, and the reproduction of its images. The helmet thus functions not only as a remarkable piece of early Celtic art but also as a reflection of 20th-century archaeology in South-Eastern Europe, where material culture, political contexts, and scholarly practices intersect.