Rowel Spur
This spur, inlaid with silver, was made for a Mexican charro (a Mexican cowboy). Its neck is shaped as a serpent or an eel, the tail of which is holding an elaborately pierced rowel. The top edge of the heel band is adorned with silver-inlaid serpents, and is pierced on the sides with a frieze of volutes.
Charros were originally land, horse, and cattle owners who had a high social and economic status. They would meet during ceremonies and festivals and demonstrate their skills through several varieties of rodeo games called charrería. Charros and charrería remain important parts of Mexican traditional culture. During these festive events, charros could display splendidly decorated horse tack and spurs, the latter being one of the primary symbols of their culture.
Charros were originally land, horse, and cattle owners who had a high social and economic status. They would meet during ceremonies and festivals and demonstrate their skills through several varieties of rodeo games called charrería. Charros and charrería remain important parts of Mexican traditional culture. During these festive events, charros could display splendidly decorated horse tack and spurs, the latter being one of the primary symbols of their culture.
Artwork Details
- Title: Rowel Spur
- Date: second half 18th–early 19th century
- Culture: Mexican
- Medium: Iron, silver
- Dimensions: L. 6 in. (15.2 cm); W. 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm); Diam. of rowel 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm); Wt. 8.2 oz. (232.5 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Spurs
- Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
- Object Number: 42.50.346
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Mexican
probably mid-18th century
Manuel Casco
dated 1738
Mexican
18th century
Mexican
18th century
Mexican
18th century
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