Prick Spur

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This small bronze spur, inlaid in silver, was found in Paris in the river Seine. It was secured to the heel of the rider by means of a strap attached to two side buttons (now missing). An extra strap passed through the heel’s hook (shaped as a horse’s head) before going around the ankle, to be sure that it would not move. In antiquity, spurs were not used in pairs, but rather as a single accessory attached to only one of the feet. They were used, as they are today, for directing a horse to move forwards. Evolved from Celtic and Roman types, this kind of spur is found in Roman Gaul in contexts dated between the 1st and the 3rd century A.D. In Britain, related indigenous examples can be dated from the 4th century, the horse’s head usually replaced by a simple hook.

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