Brooklyn Museum: Collections: Islamic Art

Set of Horse Trappings. Iran or Central Asia, Turkoman, dated A.H. 1332/A.D. 1913. Gilded silver and colored glass and stones, 40 x 3 1/2 in. (101.6 x 8.9 cm); 36 x 3 1/2 in. (91.4 x 8.9 cm); and 25 1/2 x 5 1/4 in. (64.8 x 13.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Promised gift of Monir Farmanfarmaian in memory of her husband, Abol Bashar Farmanfarmaian, L1998.13.9-.11

This set of horse trappings represents the high technological and artistic skill of the Turkoman nomads of Iran and Central Asia. Best known for their striking abstract weavings and their large-scale personal jewelry, the Turkomans also produced highly refined decorations for their horses, greatly valued by their owners. Any respectable male member of the Turkoman tribe, however rich or poor, would own at least one horse, and frequently several. The Turkomans' love of horses is reflected in diverse ornaments produced only for them, including headpieces, breast bands, harnesses, and saddles. Horse trappings, such as this set, were often decorated with colorful glass stones that give the illusion of precious gems, while expensive materials, such as gold and silver, and time-consuming metal- and leatherworking techniques were employed to create these remarkable objects.

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