Pair of Rowel Spurs

Unknown

15th century · Copper alloy, gold · Arms and Armor

This pair of gilded spurs is adorned with engraved geometrical and floral designs in a style commonly seen on south German examples. The wide band forming the heel plate, as well as the scrollwork, seem directly inspired by contemporary Bohemian spurs. In the 15th century, rowel spurs with very long necks were of common use in Western Europe. At this period, the elevated war saddles and the very specific riding style, with long stirrup leathers and legs extended forward, increased the distance between a rider’s feet and the horse’s flank. Thus, spurs with long necks allowed the rider to spur his horse without excess movement of his legs. As a knight’s status was closely related to his horse, spurs became one of the symbols of chivalry, and one of the tokens given to him during a knighting ceremony.

Artist

Unknown

Date

15th century

Medium

Copper alloy, gold

Culture

German

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913