Pair of Rowel Spurs

Unknown

18th century · Iron alloy · Arms and Armor

Each of the spurs composing this pair is a tour de force of ironwork. The neck and rowel box, pierced with delicate interlaced motifs, were made with a single piece of iron, as is the entire heel plate, deeply chased on the external side. Only a few very skilled spur makers, mostly working in Mexico City, were able to create such metalwork. The pieces were usually heated several times during their manufacture, giving the metal a shiny appearance meant to imitate silver. This impressive pair, though slightly less spectacular than some examples made earlier in the century, was nonetheless probably meant for use during ceremonies and festivals and served as a mark of status, speaking to the importance of horses in traditional Mexican society.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Iron alloy

Culture

Mexican

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913