Rowel Spur

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This heavy spur is part of a group of frequently oversized and lavishly decorated German spurs made in the second half of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th century, probably in Saxony. Some of them display extravagant features like multiple rowels (up to 12 in some cases) and are often decorated with these characteristic cross-hatched motifs. The impracticality of many of these spurs indicate that they were probably only used during parade and festive events, as a display of wealth and status.

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