Boss from a Horse Breast Collar

Boss from a Horse Breast Collar

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This boss, decorated all over with flowers and foliage, adorned the cross-section of the three straps of a horse breast collar (straps preventing the saddle from slipping backwards). This example is a simpler version of the luxury bosses attached to some Ottoman deluxe tacks, usually made of silver and gold.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Boss from a Horse Breast CollarBoss from a Horse Breast CollarBoss from a Horse Breast CollarBoss from a Horse Breast CollarBoss from a Horse Breast Collar

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.