Shaffron (horse's head armor)
Culture
Ottoman
Dateearly 1500s
Mediumiron
Dimensions48.3 cm (19 in.), 3 lb, 8 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsIncised "tamga" on the top, above the flange.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.24
DescriptionDark iron. Shaped to top of horse's head, long & bluntly pointed at nose. There is low medial transverse ridge extending from an upstanding flange near the top full length to base of nose. Rounded cut outs for the eyes, & below this the defense is faceted 4 times. Poll & sides are fitted with iron plates suspended on riveted mail. Those at sides are curved & flanged at eye & curved deeply over cheeks. Stitching holes for lining around the perimeter.Fine, rare example.
Label TextThe Ottomans were originally an alliance of Turkish tribes living on the borders of the Byzantine Empire. The Turks had come from central Asia, and had brought with them a tradition of superb horsemanship, as well as the curved swords that would eventually become predominant in the Islamic world. In their new home they were influenced by Byzantine, Persian, and Islamic traditions, which included the use of heavy armored cavalry. This shaffron was designed for such a heavy cavalryman. It was once part of a full horse armor of mail and plate, and the rider would have been similarly protected. This plain steel shaffron was used by an ordinary heavy cavalryman. Toward the top of the mainplate can be seen the mark of the St. Irene arsenal--an early Byzantine church that was converted into a military storehouse after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The mark was originally used by the Kaya clan of Turks, particularly for branding the clan's livestock.ProvenancePerhaps from Istanbul Collection of Baron Zouche (Parham, England), from whom said to have been purchased by W.O. Oldman (London). Bought by the museum from Oldman on 1 July 1930. Collecton transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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