Apr 24, 2020
Oct 22, 2010

Pricked Spur

Pricked Spur

1200s

Steel

Overall: 11.1 x 7.7 cm (4 3/8 x 3 1/16 in.)

Weight: 40 g (1.41 oz.)

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1611

Did you know?

A knight’s status was closely related to his horse; as a result spurs became a symbol of chivalry and could be given as a token during a knighting.

Description

The spur was an essential part of the knight's equipment. Fastened to his heels by means of straps and buckles, it was used to prod a horse into action. This example represents the oldest type recorded, the "pricked" spur, so-called because its neck terminated in a spike. The pricked spur was replaced during the Middle Ages by the "rowel" spur, with a rotating spiked wheel.

See also
Collection: 
MED - Arms & Armor
Department: 
Medieval Art
Type of artwork: 
Arms and Armor
Medium: 
Steel

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