Northern Italy, Etruscan, ca. 5th to 3rd century BCE. An impressive and ornate cast bronze horse bit with swan heads. The outermost curved rods are long cheek pieces with conical finials to control direction by pressing into the horse's cheek when pulling the reins, which ran through the integral rings. The piece that sits in the horse's mouth is formed by 2 thick twisted rods with rings at both ends that are linked to each other in the center and to the cheek pieces. Extending from the bit rings, each swan head presents a slender, elongated form, dipped gracefully downwards and displaying incised feathers and eyes. This bit is a wonderful piece of riding tack, demonstrating superb craftsmanship and providing great insight into ancient horsemanship! Size: 11.75" L x 7.75" W (29.8 cm x 19.7 cm)
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#137129
Condition
Intact and very good. Areas of russet, blue, and green patina.