Human world
Helmet
Tibet, 19th century
Accession Number 56.27.206
Although Buddhism forbids the taking of another life, the Tibetan army fought hard to keep intruders out of their country, but their arms and equipment could not match the Western army.
John Claude White took the official photographs of the Younghusband Expedition.
The beauty of the Himalayan region deeply inspired him and his photographs show both technical brilliance and strong sense of composition and form.
His collection of objects from Tibet and the neighbouring countries reflect this. He admired the work of skilled craftsmen and qualities of shape and design.