The pith helmet, also known as the safari helmet, salacot, sola topee, sun helmet, topee, and topi is a lightweight cloth-covered helmet made of sholapith. The pith helmet originates from the Spanish military adaptation of the native salakot headgear of the Philippines.
Pith helmet used by the Canadian Corps of Guides on display at the Royal Canadian Military Institute
Spanish military uniforms in the Philippines in 1862 showing the original salakot (right) worn as part of a campaign uniform
Soldiers of the French Tonkin Expeditionary Corps in 1885, with two soldiers wearing pith helmets and another wearing a conical hat
A colonial pattern helmet used by the Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment
A helmet is a form of protective gear worn to protect the head. More specifically, a helmet complements the skull in protecting the human brain. Ceremonial or symbolic helmets without protective function are sometimes worn. Soldiers wear combat helmets, often made from Kevlar or other lightweight synthetic fibers.
Cyclist wearing a bicycle helmet
A reenactor wearing a sallet
A motocross helmet showing the elongated visor and chin bar
Boar tusk Minoan helmet, 1600–1500 BCE