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

Overview

Provenance

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

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