The Fortress Turban on display at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in the UK (credit: Asian Image)

In the United Kingdom, a traveling exhibit has on display the “Fortress Turban”, worn by Nihang Sikhs — a sect of Sikh warriors dating back to Guru Gobind Singh’s time at the turn to the 18th century — as part of their soldier attire:

This Turban is known as a Dastaar Boonga or turban fortress worn by a group of skilled warrior Sikhs called Akali Nihangs.

It was used to protect the head in battle and to hold their weapons, including daggers, swords and metal throwing discs.

…The tall conical structure of the turban is like that of a tower or fortress. This made it effective in battle, protecting both the hair and head from sword blows. It is tied by entwining the long hair with the turban cloth which can be up to 20 yards long.

This turban is presented as part of an educational exhibit on the Sikh faith at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery from January 26 through April 28.

Read more at Asian Image.