Rowel Spur (Left)

first half 18th century

Not on view

The neck of this spur, holding the rowel, is decorated with pierced vegetal scrolls and a small bird in relief at the junction with the heel. The outer side of the heel band, on the left, is carved with a pierced diamond-shaped niche in which an animal is seated, possibly a monkey, holding a fruit in its hands.

While the pierced decoration is influenced by the importation, via Spain, of horse equipment made in Southern Germany in the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as by Chinese textiles, 18th-century Mexican spurs like this example, in addition to bits and stirrups, often feature native designs and animals, such as birds, dogs, and monkeys.

Although less impressive than some oversized contemporary examples, this spur and its lost mate would have probably been used during ceremonies and festivals as a mark of status, speaking to the importance of horses in traditional Mexican society.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Rowel Spur (Left)
Date: first half 18th century
Culture: Mexican
Medium: Iron alloy
Dimensions: L. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm); W. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm); Diam. of rowel 2 3/4 in. (7 cm); Wt. 7.8 oz. (221.1 g)
Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Spurs
Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
Object Number: 42.50.295
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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Print dedicated to Juan Antonio Vizarrón y Eguiarreta, Archbishop of Mexico and Viceroy of New Spain, Juan Antonio Vizarrón y Eguiarreta Spanish, Woodcut printed on pink silk with a red border — Print dedicated to Juan Antonio Vizarrón y Eguiarreta, Archbishop of Mexico and Viceroy of New Spain
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probably 19th century

Thesis Proclamation of José Vicente Maldonado y Trespalacios, dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, Baltasar Troncoso y Sotomayor Mexican, Woodcut, letterpress and engraving (image of the Virgin) printed on white silk with a decorative metalic thread border backed with a panel of red silk. — Thesis Proclamation of José Vicente Maldonado y Trespalacios, dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe
Baltasar Troncoso y Sotomayor
Publisher Herederos de María de Rivera
1756

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