Rowel Spur

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This type of spur, with its large and impressive rowel, was popular among Hungarians in the 16th century. Its general shape is an evolution of late medieval spurs. The proportions of the rowel, rather impractical, mostly served the purpose of showing off the high social status of the rider. The buckle attached to one of the dragon’s head-shaped terminals does not originally belong to this spur.

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