Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Like armored warriors, horses were usually protected by defenses of steel plate, leather, or reinforced textile. Fluted and engraved shaffrons like this were used throughout the Middle East, notably in Iran, Ottoman Turkey, and the Mamluk Empire in Egypt and Syria. This example is inscribed on the forehead “Help from Allah and a speedy victory,” a talismanic Qur'anic phrase (61:13) frequently found on armor.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art