Shooting trophy in the shape of a bird with chain
Not on view
Designed to hang from a chain, this wearable trophy was granted to the winner of a shooting competition in the late sixteenth century. Schützenvögel or “shooting birds” were a popular form for this type of prize. Crafted from precious metals, they made appealing awards which commemorated the athletic prowess of a victorious archer or rifleman and were often reused, year to year. Community events, like shooting contests, certainly provided entertainment, but were also opportunities to increase social cohesion.
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