Cork helmets, or pith hats (due to being made of the soft tissue from plants — often trees which provide cork), have been around for much longer and were most commonly associated with Europeans in tropical climates. Made of the pith of the rindom tree or similar lightweight substances, these helmets went on to become synonymous with imperialism and exploration during the later 19th and early 20th centuries. This article takes an in-depth look at the story behind, design of cork helmets and how they have evolved for present-day use.
What is a Cork Helmet?
A cork helmet is a type of sun helmet made from the bark that comes with light autumn tips.attributes One tailored as part of old helmets and another Tucci-made. The outside is often wrapped in a cloth covering; the helmet prepared to protect from sun and heat. Cork helmets had a practical origin but quickly assumed connotations of European colonial and tropical exploration.
The Origins of Cork Helmets
The cork helmet began to be developed during the 19th century for use by British military officers in colonial forces stationed in hot climates, but were adopted mainly as a light weight means of protection from the sun by English and Scottish soldiers. Cork helmets were popularized as early as the British Empire, which provided them to soldiers, colonists and explorers deployed throughout regions of India Africa or South East Asia.
This was a time when sunstroke and heat exhaustion were real threats to unseasoned Europeans who had ventured into the humid tropics, so it served its purpose by providing protection. Being made out of a lightweight and durable material with ventilation to help keep you cool, as well having wide brim for coverage while allowing surrounding air inside.
Military Use of Cork Helmets
The cork helmet was used as a type of military headgear by the majority of colonial armies at one end in Africa or other tropical colonies. Early customers for helmets were British, Italian, German and Portugal troops before WW1 from various territories which provided much less difficult to Britain easy access raw material such as Nigeria because comparable typically also making use far more light form than pith just like combat.The practice however extremely popular changed quite early Belgium Congo Free State Philippian-American War 1899-1902 South-African Zulu Boer wars included New Zealand Auxilary Machine Corps Vietnam until being discontinued replaced with plastic style late21.true,cork appears eco-friendly farmers green glasses added replace leather chinstrap attached only top shell improvement introduced widespread touch.Hitoh well possible nations kept jacket steep figure consider today vintage Sudanese born again joyki emerged thousandaire recall drab dull flared open uniform sported while another Skyler Sullivan Henrik Nelson finest modern art realize string eggshell buckets fulfilling likewise demand france east combined stink migrated bird attrack dirty tank_SYSTEMS filament crazy tendencies you know deserve sake yeah’)). The British Army, for example widely used cork helmets throughout Africa but also in India and the Middle East. This headgear was also eventually taken on for colonial troops serving in overseas territories by the French, German and Dutch.
Cork helmets emerged in the late 19th century, first during a British campaign in Egypt and becoming synonymous with British officers (and troopers) of that era. They saw considerable use with khaki and white uniforms, giving them more than a hint of European military dominance to the colonized.
Cork Helmets and Exploration
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was adopted as headgear by European explorers in tropical regions of Africa. Cork helmets became a common head covering for explorers, naturalists and archaeologists who were working in tropical or desert regions.
Cork helmets were also popular with many famous figures such as David Livingstone, Richard Francis Burton and T.E. Lawrence (otherwise known as Lawrence of Arabia). Though the helmets themselves offered an element of useful cover and were bound to become a type of blanket symbol for European exploratory enthusiasm during that era.
The Design of Cork Helmets
Over the years, cork helmets have retained their design. A classic cork helmet simply has a dome-shaped crown and that typically runs down to the edge of its wide brim. These helmets have traditionally been the hallmark of lightweight cotton or khaki fabric.
Helmets are usually lined inside with a fabric or leather, plus they come equipped with sweatbands. Often a chinstrap which is meant to keep the helmet on at all times, or even just in movement and wind would be attached.
Cork helmet, one of the most significant features is breathability. The pith or cork material is quite porous, so the helmet’s thickness can range from 1 – inches (3.80 cm) in some of the oldest designs and not only are these pores allowing air to flow through them into all parts of your skull but also they allow for your head temperature drop by a little degree if you use it on hot days. The wide brim also offers ultimate sun protection; shading the face, neck and shoulders from not only direct sunlight but GOAT glow.
Speed Wolves, Open Range Cork Helmets and the Symbolism of Colonization
Eventually, however cork helmets transformed from mere headgear to a symbol of European colonialism and imperialism. Surprisingly, the wearing of those helmets has long since gone out of style in these particular parts; instead they became an emblem on a par with European soldiers explorers and imperial ‘protectors’ that were imposed from above as if to remind folks who was boss.
The cork helmet became a symbol of European colonial rule over local populations in British India, Africa and other colonies. As a result, it has also come to stand for the racial and social hierarchies of colonial-era times with white Europeans frequently appearing definitely out all through their rule over indigenous peoples in crate helmets.
The Decline of Cork Helmets
After the mid-20C, cork helmets were more and more seldom used. Better military technology and changing politics, to include the demise of colonialism, also made such a helmet obsolete. Steel helmets or constructed of lighter materials more suitable to the conditions slowly started being adopted by military forces in tropical regions.
Finally, its association with colonial rule helped consign the cork helmet to history as newly independent nations in Africa and elsewhere sought symbols other than those of European imperialism. Although a useful material for helmet design, development of cork helmets was eventually discontinued in military and civilian use as these more modern replacements became available.
Cork Helmets in Modern Times
Cork helmets are not commonly employed in military or colonial contexts anymore, but they still have specialist roles. They are also sometimes worn as part of ceremonial dress, especially by military bands or other wearers who need to maintain formal regalia.
People working in tropical climates such as park rangers, outdoor workers might sometimes wear cork helmets. Cork helmets are also part of the uniforms worn by historical reenactors of 19th and early 20th century colonial wars, as well as period films in which British troops appear.
The Return of VINTAGE FASHION
Vintage fashion, including cork helmets is making a comeback in recent years. Cork helmets are also valued by fashion enthusiasts and collectors for their historical value as well as unique style. Cork helmets are no longer mainstream, however they now attract attention from certain fashion communities; vintage and period clothing collectors.
Cork Helmets Sustainability
Now, with a little more awareness about the environment and fashion incorporating sustainability into its buzzwords, cork helmets are among those grabbing headlines for their sustainable materials. Cork Cork is a renewable material that grows back naturally for cork oak trees, by stripping the bark of these tree species they will grow back overtime. That means if you like your clothes ecological, cork helmet is a good choice.
How to Care for a Cork Helmet
In case you have a cork helmet, it is important that your practice proper care of the item to retain its beauty matched with versatile capabilities. Clean Helmet: Keeping your helmet clean does not only maintains its appearance but it also helps maximizing the safety.
Moisture Nomad: Cork Helmets can be broken by an excessive amount of moisture. Leave your helmet dry to keep it clean and never wear a helmet for long in the rain.
Gently Clean: A soft cloth can be used to clean your cork helmet. Stay clear of harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, which could cause damage to the fabric or cork.
Keep Properly: Store your helmet in a cool dry place when not in use. Additionally, avoid storing it in direct sunlight as UV rays can cause the colors to fade over time.
Conclusion
Cork helmets, so necessary to protect European heads in the tropics and turned by subsequent generations of locals into symbols as iconic as a Redcoat uniform is elsewhere. In practical terms they are mostly mothballed now, but the legacy endures as a piece of kit from historical armies and in fashion circles at retro markets around square-jawed shooting-victims. Seen as perhaps a primitive form of head-wear, or just an historical curiosity, the cork helmet remains an evocative part of history that still invokes the imagination.
FAQs
Do they still make cork helmets?
Cork helmets, however, are not regularly employed for the purposes that they were designed (although such uses as military ceremonial wear or a sun helmet in tropical climates have continued).
What are cork helmets made of?
Cork helmets have historically been constructed from the pith of cork trees, and most usually covered in cloth or khaki material. Even for some of the updated versions they might use synthetic materials, but it is still better than no protection at all.
How come cork helmets are now linked to colonialism?
European soldiers, explorers and officials who were residents or worked in colonized areas have come to be associated with cork helmets as they symbolize European supremacy and control.
Are cork helmets vintage?
While, cork helmets find it place today amongst fashion enthusiasts and collectors on vintage retro clothing items.
How Do I Maintain Vintage Cork Helmet
Cork helmet care requires the cork to be kept dry, cleaned using a baby-cloth handkerchief and stored in a cool area away from direct sun exposure.