Pair of Stirrups

Scandinavian, possibly Danish

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 373

This pair of stirrups is decorated with gilded bronze and silver overlay, and was originally probably deposited in the tomb of a wealthy Viking warrior. Although they are perhaps best known today for being gifted sailors, the Vikings also rode horses. As in all Germanic cultures, in fact, horses had great importance in their society and religion. Equestrian equipment like stirrups, spurs and bits are regularly found in Viking burials, next to weapons and other goods that the warriors wanted to bring with them to the afterlife, or alongside sacrificed horses that sometimes accompanied the wealthiest of these men.

Pair of Stirrups, Iron, bronze, gold, silver, Scandinavian, possibly Danish

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Pair of Stirrups, Iron, bronze, gold, silver, Scandinavian, possibly Danish
Pair of Stirrups, Iron, bronze, gold, silver, Scandinavian, possibly Danish
Pair of Stirrups, Iron, bronze, gold, silver, Scandinavian, possibly Danish
Pair of Stirrups, Iron, bronze, gold, silver, Scandinavian, possibly Danish
Pair of Stirrups, Iron, bronze, gold, silver, Scandinavian, possibly Danish
Pair of Stirrups, Iron, bronze, gold, silver, Scandinavian, possibly Danish
Pair of Stirrups, Iron, bronze, gold, silver, Scandinavian, possibly Danish

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