Pair of Rowel Spurs

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This pair of spurs was made for a Mexican charro (a Mexican cowboy) probably in the second half of the 18th century. The necks of these spurs are decorated with what looks like a canid on a leaf, possibly a gray fox, the only American canid that can climb trees. They hold pierced rowels shaped as flowers. The heel bands are chiseled on the sides as waving branches inlaid with silver. An engraved and pierced foliate design adorns the terminals, of which the bottom slots attached a heel chain, an element disappearing from later examples, only featuring attachements for an upper strap. If the animal in relief is still a typical 18th century decoration, the general shape of these spurs is already close to the types developed in the 19th century. Charros were originally land, horse, and cattle owners who had a high social and economic status. They would meet during ceremonies and festivals and demonstrate their skills through several varieties of rodeo games called charrería. Charros and charrería remain important parts of Mexican traditional culture. During these festive events, charros could display splendidly decorated horse tack and spurs, the latter being one of the primary symbols of their culture.

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