Prick Spur

Unknown

2nd–1st century BCE · Copper alloy (bronze) · Arms and Armor

This small spur was secured at the back of the foot by the means of leather straps attached to the terminals’ buttons. In high antiquity, spurs were not used in pairs, but rather as a single accessory attached to only one of the feet, usually on the left. The first pairs are recorded in some Greek regions in the late 2nd century B.C. They were used, as they are today, for directing a horse to move forwards. The prick spur was the first type of spur to be invented, and it consists of a goad or prick, more or less pointed, connected to side arms or a heel plate. The earliest spurs were probably simple thorns attached at the back of the heel or ankle, before they began to be made out of metal.

Artist

Unknown

Date

2nd–1st century BCE

Medium

Copper alloy (bronze)

Culture

Celtic

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Thomas E. Kirby, 1921