Stirrup

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This type of pear-shaped stirrup was widely used in east European Ottoman territories, by the Hussars, for example, and in the Balkans. They evolved from late medieval stirrups and their shape and manufacture changed very little between the 15th and the 18th century, and even after. Therefore, simple examples like these can be very hard to date.

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