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Lady's Stirrup

Arts of the Americas

When the Spanish came to the Western Hemisphere, they reintroduced the horse to regions where it had long been extinct. This animal had a far-reaching impact on life and culture in the Americas, including the production of equestrian adornments and images. This elaborately decorated, slipper-style stirrup is a luxury example of riding equipment for women. The ladies of Lima, Peru, were renowned for their grace on horseback, and since they rode side-saddle, their stirrups were made singly rather than as part of a pair.
MEDIUM Silver
  • Place Made: Peru
  • DATES late 18th–19th century
    DIMENSIONS 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 7 11/16 in. (8.9 x 8.9 x 19.5 cm)  (show scale)
    COLLECTIONS Arts of the Americas
    ACCESSION NUMBER 41.1275.219
    CREDIT LINE Museum Expedition 1941, Frank L. Babbott Fund
    PROVENANCE Prior to 1941 provenance not yet documented; 1941, purchased in Peru by Herbert Spinden for the Brooklyn Museum.
    Provenance FAQ
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Lady's silver stirrup of slipper type. Flat lower part is openwork in allover foliate motif. Upper part has allover relief design of twining flowers and foliage. Solid arching piece above for attachment to saddle.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Lady's Stirrup, late 18th–19th century. Silver, 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 7 11/16 in. (8.9 x 8.9 x 19.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1941, Frank L. Babbott Fund, 41.1275.219. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 41.1275.219_SL4.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 41.1275.219_SL4.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2014
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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