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Snaffle Bit

4th–5th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 370
The snaffle bit is the simplest type of horse bit, and has an effect on the bars (part of the horses’ jaw without teeth) and the corners of the lips. The mouthpiece consists of two square-section canons, half in bronze, half in iron, articulated in the center. The side rings retain the pear-shaped tabs with rivets used for hanging the bit from the bridle and one remaining simple straight tab on one side for attaching one of the reins.

This bit is said to have been found in Lodi Vecchio, in Lombardia. Similar bits have also been discovered in 4th–5th century tombs in Crimea, possibly indicating the presence of Eastern riders in the Italian peninsula at this time, or at least any connection with Eastern equestrian cultures.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Snaffle Bit
  • Date: 4th–5th century
  • Geography: Lodi Vecchio
  • Culture: Italian, Lombardy
  • Medium: Copper alloy (bronze), iron alloy
  • Dimensions: W. 6 1/8 in. (15.6 cm); Wt. 7.9 oz. (224 g)
  • Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
  • Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
  • Object Number: 42.50.499
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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