Prick Spur
The prick spur was the first type of spur to be invented, and it consists of a goad or prick, more or less pointed, connected to side arms or a heel plate. The earliest spurs were probably simple thorns attached at the back of the heel, before they started to be made out of metal in antiquity.
Horses had great importance in the Germanic society, in both its social and religious aspects. Equestrian equipment, like stirrups, spurs and bits, are regularly found in their burials, even after their Christianization, among the goods warriors wanted to bring with them to the afterlife.
Horses had great importance in the Germanic society, in both its social and religious aspects. Equestrian equipment, like stirrups, spurs and bits, are regularly found in their burials, even after their Christianization, among the goods warriors wanted to bring with them to the afterlife.
Artwork Details
- Title: Prick Spur
- Date: 8th century
- Culture: Carolingian
- Medium: Iron alloy, copper alloy
- Dimensions: L. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm); W. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm); Wt. 1.5 oz. (42.5 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Spurs
- Credit Line: Gift of Bashford Dean, 1923
- Object Number: 23.192.2
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Byzantine
6th century
Byzantine or Germanic
6th–7th century
Western European, Langobardic
7th century
On loan to The Met
Germanic or Scandinavian
ca. 850–900
Western European, Langobardic
7th century
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