Rare Pair of Moroccan Iron Prick Horse Spurs Overlaid with Gold

This pair of prick horse spurs has been cast and chiselled from iron with typically Islamic-Moresque decoration overlaid in gold – intricate geometrical interlaced bands – patterns often seen in traditional Moroccan woodwork.

Traditionally, Moroccan horsemen took great pride in their horses and adorned them with expensive and colourful harnesses and trappings.  Items overlaid with gold were reserved for the wealthiest and highest-status riders.

This pair comprises straight U-shaped branches each with a long prick and disc at the base. The flat loop at the top of the heel is used for attaching the strap which went around the ankle.

The pair comes with one red textile strap with a silver buckle.

See a related pair in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The two here are identical in form. The decoration on each differs slightly. One has more loss to the gold overlay than the other.