Pair of Rowel Spurs

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Each of the spurs composing this pair is a tour de force of ironwork. The neck and rowel box, pierced with delicate interlaced motifs, were made with a single piece of iron, as is the entire heel plate, deeply chased on the external side. Only a few very skilled spur makers, mostly working in Mexico City, were able to create such metalwork. The pieces were usually heated several times during their manufacture, giving the metal a shiny appearance meant to imitate silver. This impressive pair, though slightly less spectacular than some examples made earlier in the century, was nonetheless probably meant for use during ceremonies and festivals and served as a mark of status, speaking to the importance of horses in traditional Mexican society.

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