Ring Bit
An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art
This Mexican bit is adorned with lavish pierced decoration featuring lions, lizards, and vegetal scrolls. In addition, small pendants shaped as closed fists, with the thumb placed between the index and the middle finger, are hanging from the curb ring, the slobber bar, and the rein buckles. This gesture is called in Spanish the mano de fica (fig hand). It is an obscene gesture still used in some countries that derives from ancient Mediterranean cultures, including Rome, where it was used in domestic rituals for warding off the evil spirits of the dead. Many amulets in the shape of this fist, for averting the evil eye, have been found in Roman sites. The symbolism and protective use of the mano de fica survived into the modern period, and was introduced to the Spanish colonies in the Americas. Mano de fica pendants can be found on several Mexican equestrian objects from the 18th century and later, such as bits, spurs and anqueras (leather cruppers used for bullfighting). The ring bit is a strong instrument distinguished by the fact that the curb chain has been replaced by a ring attached at the top of the mouthpiece, going around the horse’s lower jaw. Typical of the Islamic world, ring bits were introduced to Spain during the Arab presence, and were then used by the Spanish for their light cavalry (used in the genette or jineta riding style). The Spanish in turn brought ring bits to the Americas, where they remained in use until the late 19th century.
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.