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Horse Bit

7th–9th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 301
This elaborately decorated bit, resembling the spade bit used by some (Western-style) riders today, has a large projecting tongue, or port, that would have been inserted into the horse’s mouth. The bridle was attached to the moveable rectangular plaques, while the reins were strung through the rings on the straight bar, beneath the horse’s jaw. The severity of the bit implies both a well-schooled horse and a skilled rider; a misstep by either would inflict great pain on the beast. The rich inlaid decoration includes Greek monograms, human faces, animal heads, and vine scrolls. Perhaps copied from or inspired by Byzantine art, the Greek monogram likely indicated the importance of the horse’s owner.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Horse Bit
  • Date: 7th–9th century
  • Geography: Made in Andalusia, Spain
  • Culture: Visigothic or Byzantine
  • Medium: Iron inlaid with copper alloy, gold, and silver
  • Dimensions: Overall: 10 5/8 x 7 1/16 x 5 5/16 in. (27 x 18 x 13.5 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Iron
  • Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1947
  • Object Number: 47.100.24
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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