"Rowel" Spur
Culture
Mexican
Dateabout 1700-1750
Mediumsteel
Dimensions14 × 25 cm (5 1/2 × 9 13/16 in.), 10 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.990
DescriptionSteel & for left foot. "U"-shaped heel plate, with "D" section inner branch & that on outside of is decorative openwork. Drawn into notched points above & below neck. Pierced terminals of heel plate with decorative strap clips & studs; that of left with with modern rivet. Three of 4 mounts damaged. Neck formed as long, flat downcurving rowel box. This is drawn out as 4 pair of large volutes whose inner terminals are finished as wild cats. Base of neck fitted with grotesque leopard figure. Large rowel with 7 acutely pointed spikes.[JLF 2016] The orientation of the leopard figure would suggest that the rowel box curves downward, but the positioning of the instep buckle and the size of the rowel would seem to indicate that it curves upward.
Label TextDuring the Renaissance, spurs became elaborate fashion statements, reflecting trends in contemporary aesthetics. This later example from Mexico is a tour-de-force of metalworking.ProvenancePurchased by Museum from Sumner Healey (NYC) on February 1, 1933, his #4. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on viewCollections
1800s
