Pair of Stirrups

Unknown

19th century · Copper alloy · Arms and Armor

Each of these stirrups is made of two elements cast in bronze, with the footplate pierced with geometric elements and the sides decorated with spirals in relief, typical of traditional Nigerian metalwork. This shape of stirrups, with their long rectangular footplates and their wide flaring sides, is found in most of the Islamic world. Arab equestrian equipment spread in North Africa and then south across the Sahara desert alongside the spread of Islam itself, and was then adopted by local populations and adapted in their own styles.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Copper alloy

Culture

Nigerian

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935