Greek Helmet Crests

[Paullus Scipio]

Isn't it strange that EVERY single Illyrian helmet found has crest attachments?Not only the two parallel lines on the top,but also hooks and nails on the front and back to tie the crest box.Isn't it supposed that the corinthian helmet was more difficult to construct(some Illyrian were made from two pieces) and a more aristocratic piece of equipment?Aren't these two things contradictory?

Yes, that is odd ! Illyrian helmets were originally made in two pieces and the ridges were to protect the joint. By the 6th century, they were made exactly like contemporary Corinthians, but retained the now redundant ridges, and even incised lines where the joint formerly was! Such is the power of conservatism and tradition - or perhaps, since they were almost all made for an export market ( judging by the finds), it had to 'look right'.
(for a more recent example, highland broadswords had to be stamped 'Ferrara' even when not made there). Illyrian helmets all seem to have (or had, but there are still traces of) crest fastenings consisting of a pin at the front and a loop/ring at the back.
Perhaps the explanation for them all being crested lies with this necessity to 'look right', or the fact that the Barbarian customers were tribal chiefs and the like who wanted a 'high status' expensive helmet with crest, or both !!