The pith helmet is a traditional helmet spread throughout the world by European powers in the 19th century as protection from the sun and heat of colonized countries in Asia and Africa.
Materials
Pith is the name of a form of cork derived from the sola, an Indian swamp plant. Other materials are used to create helmets in the style of the pith, but they can't be called true pith helmets.
History
The pith helmet was modeled on military helmets worn by German soldiers in the 1870s. British soldiers began wearing pith helmets in hot climates within the British Empire during the same period.
Types
European countries with colonies in hot climates created their own versions of the pith helmet. The French pith helmet was created for use in Vietnam, where during the Vietnam war, the rebel Viet Minh developed a pith style helmet as well.
Wolseley Style
The Wolseley-style pith helmet was developed and used by British soldiers during the Boer War (1899-1902) and remained in use through both world wars. This style remains popular in North America.
Military Uses
The cork material used in pith helmets did not provide adequate protection in periods of combat but proved popular in non-combat situations.
Color
Since the pith helmet comes from white pith, its original color is always white. During the Boer War in South Africa, British soldiers used tea to dye the helmets beige for protection.
Tags: British soldiers, pith helmet, pith helmet, pith helmets
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