Pair of Ear Guards from a Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)

Art Historical Context

These delicate ear guards, crafted from steel around 1525–30, once protected a warhorse's vulnerable ears as part of a shaffron—a full head defense in Renaissance equestrian armor. Hailing from Germany, likely the renowned metalworking center of Augsburg they exemplify the era's masterful blend of functionality and artistry. At just 4 ounces each, their lightweight design (7⅝–7¾ inches high) allowed for mobility on the battlefield while showcasing the status of noble riders in the Holy Roman Empire. Augsburg armorer's skill shines in the guards' precise forging and probable embossed decoration, hinted at by dolphin motifs—a popular Renaissance symbol of strength and grace, evoking classical mythology. Such ornate details transformed armor from mere protection into parade-worthy splendor, reflecting the cultural prestige of chivalric tournaments and cavalry prowess. Today, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Arms and Armor Department (Bashford Dean Memorial Collection), these guards invite us to imagine thundering hooves and gleaming ensembles, reminding visitors of armor's evolution from brutal utility to exquisite craft.