Pair of Stirrups

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The general features of these stirrups, as well as their pierced decoration, are inspired from 16th-century German types, imported to Spain through the regular artistic and trading exchanges between these regions due to their dynastic relationships. However, the large footplates and wide flaring sides are typically Spanish, and are inspired from genette type stirrups, particularly popular in Spain. Genette, or jineta, stirrups are typical of the Islamic world, and were widely used in the Ottoman empire at the same time. They were introduced to Europe during the Arab presence in Spain, and then kept by the Spaniards for their light cavalry. This type of Spanish stirrups was brought to New World during the Spanish conquest, as Latin American examples inspired from them were then made in Chile (see 42.50.454-455).

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