Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Horse armor was used widely in India. It was usually made from a combination of iron, textile, and leather, the centerpiece of which was an iron shaffron such as this one, which protected the front of a horse's head from the muzzle to the ears. In addition to the date, the Arabic inscription seen near the top edge of this shaffron includes the name of Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah, ruler of the kingdom of Golconda in southern India from 1612 to 1626. Very few pieces of Indian horse armor can be dated so closely, or associated with a specific ruler, making this example extremely rare and important.

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