Pair of Rowel Spurs

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This very large and ornamental pair of spurs is chiseled and pierced with vegetal and geometrical motifs, and each object features three pierced rowels, adorned with rosettes. This decoration is inspired from contemporary German examples, but the intricate lacework-like pierced effect on the main rowel is typically Spanish.The width of the branches suggests they were worn over large cavalry boots. Some types of spurs with several rowels were sometimes used in the 17th century with particularly difficult horses. However, on this pair, worn like a piece of jewelry, it seems to be more an extravagant ornamental luxurious feature, rather than a truly equestrian improvement. The largest rowel is actually designed to set the two smaller ones in motion when rolled against the horse’s flanks. Such examples of multi-rowel spurs are known in Germany since the mid-16th 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.

Metropolitan Museum of Art