Curb Bit

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The cheekpieces of this bit are adorned with a pierced decoration featuring hearts and friezes of stylized fleurs-de-lis running on the edge of the shanks. These shanks were called ‘strong,’ meaning that the swivel ring’s hole is placed ahead of the axis of the banquet (piece to which the mouthpiece is attached). Strong shanks were used for lowering the head of a horse that would hold it too high. The mouthpiece, the curb chain and the rein rings hanging at the bottom of the lower loops are modern. The pierced decoration of this bit, giving a lace-like aspect to the metal, is typical of the decoration used by the spur makers in South East of Germany in the 16th and 17th centuries. Despite their name, spur makers not only made spurs, but also other small equestrian hardware like bits, stirrups, muzzles, cavessons or curry-combs, sometimes adorned with the same intricate decoration.

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