Pair of Stirrups

Unknown

19th–early 20th century · Iron, gold · Arms and Armor

This shape of stirrups, with their square footplates and their wide flaring sides, is found in most of the Islamic world. This pair is richly decorated with plated gold, incised with vegetal scrolls on the suspension eye and intricate geometrical interlaced bands on the sides, typical of Moroccan art. Traditionally, Moroccan riders take great pride in their horses and still frequently adorn them with shiny and colorful tack for parades and festivals. Wealthy riders would increase their prestige by covering their mount with luxurious material and equipping themselves with as luxurious matching accessories.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th–early 20th century

Medium

Iron, gold

Culture

Moroccan

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942