Snaffle Bit
The snaffle bit is the simplest type of horse bit, and has an effect on the bars (part of the horses’ jaw without teeth) and the corners of the lips. The mouthpiece of this example is composed of two links jointed in the middle, with two articulated buttons for the reins. This bit was originally possibly completed by larger metal rings or cheekpieces made of perishable material, like wood or bone. The cheekpieces help indicate the direction to the horse and keep the rings from pulling through the horse's mouth. The headstall would have probably been connected to these missing rings or cheekpieces as well.
Horse bits like this one were buried in male graves with other pieces of horse tack and weapons. This type of bit is found in late Bronze age and early Iron age contexts from the Caucasus to the Italian peninsula. This example is said to have been excavated in Andria, Italy, but many similar bits have also been found in the Koban necropolis, Caucasus, in today's Russia, and in Romania.
Horse bits like this one were buried in male graves with other pieces of horse tack and weapons. This type of bit is found in late Bronze age and early Iron age contexts from the Caucasus to the Italian peninsula. This example is said to have been excavated in Andria, Italy, but many similar bits have also been found in the Koban necropolis, Caucasus, in today's Russia, and in Romania.
Artwork Details
- Title: Snaffle Bit
- Date: 11th–7th century BCE
- Geography: Andria
- Culture: Italic
- Medium: Copper alloy (bronze)
- Dimensions: W. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm); Wt. 6 oz. (170.1 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
- Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
- Object Number: 42.50.476
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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ca. 650–475 BCE
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2nd–1st century BCE
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8th century BCE
Thracian or Celtic
2nd–1st century BCE
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