Snaffle Bit

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The snaffle bit is the simplest type of horse bit, and has an effect on the bars (part of the horse’s jaw without teeth) and the corners of the lips. The mouthpiece of this bit consists in two articulated links, square in section and with a serrated ridge on each face, welded with copper. The mouthpiece is flanked on one side by a long vertical cheekpiece, and by a simple link with a ring on the other, probably reused from another bit to replace the missing piece. The remaining original cheekpiece, used to hang the bit from the bridle, is composed of a ribbed vertical bar, with a flat pierced square ornament at the bottom, a decoration characteristic of Visigothic bits. Reins were attached to the ribbed D-shaped rings hanging from each side of the bit. The serrated ridges on the mouthpiece make it harsh, preventing the horse from grasping the bit with its jaws (the horse needed to have a relaxed jaw for the bit to be effective). When they were pulled, the cheekpieces would compress the corners of the lips, forcing the horse to stop. They would also help indicate the direction to the horse and keep the rings from pulling through the mouth.

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