Helm van het Nederlandse leger, M 28 - 'Nieuw Model' 1928 - 1939

This is the M28 helmet, or 'Nieuw Model', of the Dutch army, made by Verenigde Blikfabrieken 'Verblifa'. Military gear like this helmet occupies a complex space, symbolizing both protection and aggression. While designed to safeguard soldiers, it also represents the weight of militarization and the impositions of state power onto the individual body. The helmet's cold, metallic surface bears silent witness to historical conflicts, evoking the countless untold stories of those who wore it. Consider the individuals who donned this helmet, the specific historical context they faced, and the reasons they were mobilized. Think about the helmet's function as a gendered object within a historically male-dominated military, while also recognizing the changing roles and representation of diverse identities in armed forces today. This helmet serves as a potent symbol of both personal vulnerability and the collective experience of conflict.