Pair of Rowel Spurs

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This pair of gilded spurs is adorned with engraved geometrical and floral designs in a style commonly seen on south German examples. The wide band forming the heel plate, as well as the scrollwork, seem directly inspired by contemporary Bohemian spurs. In the 15th century, rowel spurs with very long necks were of common use in Western Europe. At this period, the elevated war saddles and the very specific riding style, with long stirrup leathers and legs extended forward, increased the distance between a rider’s feet and the horse’s flank. Thus, spurs with long necks allowed the rider to spur his horse without excess movement of his legs. As a knight’s status was closely related to his horse, spurs became one of the symbols of chivalry, and one of the tokens given to him during a knighting ceremony.

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