Stirrup

10th–12th century

Not on view

The large proportions of this Germanic stirrup are unusual, but its shape is typical of central European regions.

Horses had great importance in Germanic societies, in both their social and religious aspects. Equestrian equipment, like stirrups, spurs and bits, are regularly found in their burials, even after their Christianization, among the goods warriors wanted to bring with them to the afterlife. The elite would sometimes even be accompanied by sacrificed horses, a meaningful practice at that time, considering the high economic value of horses.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Stirrup
Date: 10th–12th century
Geography: probably Salzburg
Culture: Germanic
Medium: Iron
Dimensions: H. 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm); W. 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm); D. 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm); Wt. 14.7 oz. (416.7 g)
Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Stirrups
Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
Object Number: 42.50.417
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

In the same medium

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Pair of Stirrups (<i>yob</i>), Iron, gold, silver, Tibetan or Mongolian — Pair of Stirrups (*yob*)
Tibetan or Mongolian
possibly 12th–14th century

Pair of Stirrups (<i>Abumi</i>), Iron, lacquer, mother-of-pearl, Japanese — Pair of Stirrups (*Abumi*)
Japanese
late 16th–early 17th century

Stirrup, Iron, probably Spanish — Stirrup
probably Spanish
late 15th century

Stirrup (<i>Wa Abumi</i>), Iron, possibly Japanese — Stirrup (*Wa Abumi*)
possibly Japanese
ca. 5th century

Pair of Stirrups (<i>Tsubo Abumi</i>), Iron, wood, lacquer, Japanese — Pair of Stirrups (*Tsubo Abumi*)
Japanese
probably 10th century

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