Saddle by Unknown Artist - c. 1400–1420 - 33.8 × 52.1 × 34.6 cm Metropolitan Museum of Art Saddle by Unknown Artist - c. 1400–1420 - 33.8 × 52.1 × 34.6 cm Metropolitan Museum of Art

Saddle

Staghorn, limewood, rawhide, birchbark, metal, paint • 33.8 × 52.1 × 34.6 cm
  • Unknown Artist Unknown Artist c. 1400–1420

Time for something unexpected (it is Monday, and we all deserve this)—a horse saddle! The one we present today, made in Bohemia in Central Europe, is one of about 20 known Medieval saddles decorated with bone plaques. The saddles vary somewhat in decoration, but certain motifs are common throughout. For instance, Saint George, standing over the defeated dragon, appears with elegant couples on most of the saddles. Used in parade, they were probably more ceremonial than utilitarian.

The bone plaques used to create the saddle, probably from the pelvic bones of large animals such as cows, are attached to the core with bone pins and glue. The underside is lined with hide and birch bark.

If you tap on the image, you would be able to see the decorations in detail. They are beautiful!

P.S. Learn more about ivory carvings in ancient art!

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