"Blind" Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense) for the Joust

Unknown

ca. 1490; rondel, late 19th century · Steel, brass, textile, leather · Arms and Armor

Jousts were friendly contests fought by two mounted participants armed with lances, with the object of unseating the opponent or at least breaking one's lance squarely on the other contestant's shield or helmet. Well-trained horses for the joust were extremely expensive and were usually protected with armor. The shaffron was often "blind"––that is, the eyes were covered so as to prevent the horse from shying away at the opponent's approach. (The rondel attached to this example is a late nineteenth-century restoration.)

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1490; rondel, late 19th century

Medium

Steel, brass, textile, leather

Culture

German

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1904