Snaffle Bit

Unknown

ca. 650–475 BCE · Copper alloy (bronze) · Arms and Armor

The snaffle bit is the simplest type of horse bit, and has an effect on the bars (part of the horses’ jaw without teeth) and the corners of the lips. The mouthpiece of this example is composed of two links jointed in the middle. The large rings on each side were used to hang it from the bridle while the smaller ones were connected to the reins. Such bits and other harness parts are found in male warrior burials associated with the Hallstatt culture, in which the use of the horse was a symbol of wealth and high status.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 650–475 BCE

Medium

Copper alloy (bronze)

Culture

European

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942