Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)
Unknown Artist
early 16th century
Medium
Steel, copper alloy
Dimensions
H. 20 in. (50.8 cm); W. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 11 oz. (735 g)
Classification
Equestrian Equipment-Shaffrons
Culture
Turkish or Iranian
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Accession Number
36.25.510
Art Historical Context
Step into the world of early 16th-century warfare this striking shaffron, a protective head armor for warhorses, crafted by an unknown Turkish or Iranian artist. Dating to around 1520–1530, this piece from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Arms and Department exemplifies the vital role of equestrian equipment in the cavalry-dominated battles of the Ottoman Empire or Safavid Persia. Shaffrons like this shielded a horse's face from arrows, blades, and lances, ensuring the rider's mobility and survival on the battlefield. Forged from lightweight steel reinforced with copper alloy, the shaffron me...