Rowel Spur (Left)
This spur, with the heel band decorated with brass inlays, was probably made for a Mexican charro (a Mexican cowboy). The loop on the external side of the rowel holds a jingle bob, a small pendant that jingles against the points when the wearer walks or rolls the spur against the horse’s flank.
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 (Left)
- Date: 18th century
- Culture: Mexican
- Medium: Iron alloy, copper alloy
- Dimensions: L. 6 in. (15.2 cm); W. 3 3/16 in. (8.1 cm); Diam. of rowel 2 1/16 in. (5.2 cm); Wt. 6.1 oz. (172.9 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Spurs
- Credit Line: Gift of Bashford Dean, 1923
- Object Number: 23.192.18
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Mexican
probably mid-18th century
Mexican
18th century
Mexican
19th century
Smith & Wesson
Tiffany & Co.
1881–1902
possibly Roman or Celtic
possibly 2nd–1st century BCE
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