Pair of Stirrups

19th century
Not on view
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pair of Stirrups
  • Date: 19th century
  • Culture: Nigerian
  • Medium: Copper alloy
  • Dimensions: Stirrup (a); H. 6 in. (15.2 cm); W. 6 3/8 in. (16.2 cm); D. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 9.9 oz. (734.3 g); stirrup (b); H. 6 in. (15.2 cm); W. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm); D. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 10.4 oz. (748.4 g)
  • Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Stirrups
  • Credit Line: Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
  • Object Number: 36.25.533a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.