Stirrup

Unknown

9th–10th century · Iron · Arms and Armor

This very simple triangular stirrup of Germanic type was used in the eastern part of the Baltic, where Viking and West Slavic populations were cohabitating. Horses had a great societal importance in Germanic and Slavic cultures, in both social and religious aspects. Equestrian equipment, like stirrups, spurs and bits, are regularly found in their burials, among the goods warriors wanted to bring with them to the afterlife. The elite would sometimes even be accompanied by sacrificed horses, a meaningful practice at that time, considering the high economic value of horses.

Artist

Unknown

Date

9th–10th century

Medium

Iron

Culture

German or West Slavic

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942