19th C. Moroccan Silver-Inlaid Iron Stirrups, Engraved Scrollwork

North Africa, Morocco, Islamic tradition. A pair of shovel-form riding stirrups raised from sheet iron, each broad square footplate sweeping upward through steeply flaring sides to a shouldered arch pierced for the suspension strap. Silver plating covers the arches and outer flanks, finely incised with vegetal scrolls, rosettes, and interlaced geometric banding in the idiom long favored by Moroccan metalsmiths, the pale tracery playing against the dark iron beneath. The footplates are perforated for drainage and purchase, and the two schemes deliberately differ: a radiating pinwheel of teardrops on one, a clustered field of round holes on the other, the signature of hand fabrication rather than matched manufacture. Such stirrups belonged to prestige tack, the most visible half of a horseman's finery, made to catch the sun as readily as to bear his weight. The wide-sided, square-plated stirrup is a form shared across much of the Islamic world, from the Maghreb to Mughal India, its generous platform designed to carry the whole foot and to brace a rider standing in the saddle, whether for the lance or for the massed powder-volley of the Moroccan tbourida. What localizes this pair is the ornament: silver laid over iron and worked with foliate scroll and interlace rather than figural motifs. Equestrian display remains a matter of deep pride in Morocco. Horses are still turned out for festivals and parades in embroidered saddlecloths, tasseled bridles, and gleaming metal fittings, and a wealthy rider historically advertised his standing by matching the luxury of his mount's harness with equally sumptuous personal equipment. Stirrups, hanging at eye level to the crowd, were among the most conspicuous elements of that ensemble. The hide thongs threaded through the arches are later additions, added for display and handling rather than original to the tack. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. Item # 204478

Estimation:€356.6

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