Pair of Stirrups

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This type of chiseled and pierced decoration was used by the spur makers in eastern Germany in the 16th and 17th centuries. Despite their name, spur makers not only made spurs, but also all the small equestrian hardware like bits, stirrups, muzzles, cavessons or curry-combs, sometimes adorned with the same intricate decoration.The swivel suspension eye allowed the stirrup leather to stay flat against the horse’s flank when the stirrup is in use, but it is more fragile than regular non-rotating systems.

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