Stirrup

Unknown

8th–9th century · Iron, silver · Arms and Armor

The flaring sides of this stirrup, found in Northern Poland, are decorated with bands inlaid in silver bearing geometrical designs along the edges, and are pierced with a series of triangular openings. 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

8th–9th century

Medium

Iron, silver

Culture

Germanic or Slavic

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942