In the early 16th century a new type of helmet appeared - the morion that is believed to have originated in Spain. The name may have been borrowed from the Moors, or else derives from the Spanish word morro, meaning the top of the head. The morion – a helmet with a tall comb and a broad brim bending strongly upwards at the front and back – was the preferred wear for foot-soldiers in combination with half armour. This shape of helmet survived until the early decades of the 17th century. It was also used as the headwear of guards at the European courts.
The elaborate shape of this morion was forged from a single piece of metal and decorated with etched and engraved ornament featuring stylized plants and mounted warriors.