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Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)

15th–17th century
Not on view
This shaffron is an excellent example of what appears to be a standard form, consisting mainly of a leather ground covered with small square iron plates, which are sewn to the ground by leather laces threaded through a single hole and a small boss at the corner of each plate. Shaped iron plates are laced down the center and at each cheek. The leaf-shaped finial of the vertical rib attached to the central iron panel is very similar to those found on Tibetan cane shields, leather arm defenses, and leather boxes.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)
  • Date: 15th–17th century
  • Culture: Tibetan or Mongolian
  • Medium: Iron, leather, brass or copper alloy
  • Dimensions: H. 21 in. (53.3 cm); W. 20 1/4 in. (51.4 cm); Wt. 6 lb. 13.2 oz. (3095.8 g)
  • Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Shaffrons
  • Credit Line: Purchase, The Collection of Giovanni P. Morosini, presented by his daughter Giulia, by exchange; Bashford Dean Memorial Collection, Funds from various donors, by exchange; and Fletcher Fund, by exhange, 1997
  • Object Number: 1997.242d
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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Pair of Stirrups (<i>yob</i>), Iron, gold, silver, Tibetan or Mongolian
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possibly 12th–14th century
Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense), Iron, leather, gold, silver, brass or copper alloy, textile, Tibetan or Mongolian
Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)
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late 15th–early 17th century
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