Pair of Patinated Brass | Conquistador-Style Saddle Slipper Stirrups with Figural Decoration | Late 19th to early 20th Century
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Mexico or Latin America, Spanish Colonial tradition
Material: Cast brass with aged patinated surface
Period: Late 19th to early 20th Century
Description
This striking pair of antique brass slipper stirrups represents a distinctive form associated with Spanish Colonial and Latin American equestrian traditions. Designed to protect the rider’s foot and footwear, slipper stirrups feature an enclosed, forward-curving form that shields the foot while riding, particularly useful in brush, dust, or rugged terrain.
These examples are cast in brass and beautifully aged, displaying a warm golden patina with natural wear from authentic use. Each stirrup is richly decorated with relief ornamentation, prominently featuring a stylized human figure wearing an elaborate feathered headdress and flowing costume. The imagery reflects Indigenous American artistic influence interpreted through Colonial-era decorative traditions rather than a strictly Aztec or Mayan representation.
A horizontal strap bar at the top secured the leather stirrup leathers, while triangular cutouts beneath allowed drainage and reduced weight. The sweeping toe profile and sculptural relief decoration give the pair strong display appeal, making them equally suitable for collectors of equestrian antiques or decorative arts.
Features
- Matching pair of cast brass slipper stirrups
- Classic enclosed Conquistador / Colonial riding form
- Relief decoration featuring stylized feathered headdress figure
- Warm aged patina with natural surface wear
- Strap bars intact for saddle attachment
- Triangular drainage/lightening openings to underside
- Sculptural profile ideal for display
Cultural Significance
Slipper stirrups evolved in Spanish and later Latin American riding culture, where they became both functional equipment and decorative status pieces. Wealthier riders often commissioned stirrups with ornate casting or engraving, blending European riding equipment with local artistic motifs.
The figural decoration seen here reflects the blending of Indigenous artistic traditions with Colonial metalwork aesthetics, making such pieces evocative examples of cross-cultural craftsmanship in the Americas.
Condition
Very good antique condition with expected age and use wear. Surface scratching, oxidation, and patina are consistent with authentic period use. No major structural damage observed, and both pieces remain solid and display beautifully.
Dimensions (approximate)
Length: 12 in
Width: 5 in
Height: 5.5 in
Age (Approximate)
105–145 years old
Learn More
Learn About Chilean Cultural Heritage Artifacts
Browse Our Collection of Historical Warfare & Exploration Artifacts
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Mexico or Latin America, Spanish Colonial tradition
Material: Cast brass with aged patinated surface
Period: Late 19th to early 20th Century
Description
This striking pair of antique brass slipper stirrups represents a distinctive form associated with Spanish Colonial and Latin American equestrian traditions. Designed to protect the rider’s foot and footwear, slipper stirrups feature an enclosed, forward-curving form that shields the foot while riding, particularly useful in brush, dust, or rugged terrain.
These examples are cast in brass and beautifully aged, displaying a warm golden patina with natural wear from authentic use. Each stirrup is richly decorated with relief ornamentation, prominently featuring a stylized human figure wearing an elaborate feathered headdress and flowing costume. The imagery reflects Indigenous American artistic influence interpreted through Colonial-era decorative traditions rather than a strictly Aztec or Mayan representation.
A horizontal strap bar at the top secured the leather stirrup leathers, while triangular cutouts beneath allowed drainage and reduced weight. The sweeping toe profile and sculptural relief decoration give the pair strong display appeal, making them equally suitable for collectors of equestrian antiques or decorative arts.
Features
- Matching pair of cast brass slipper stirrups
- Classic enclosed Conquistador / Colonial riding form
- Relief decoration featuring stylized feathered headdress figure
- Warm aged patina with natural surface wear
- Strap bars intact for saddle attachment
- Triangular drainage/lightening openings to underside
- Sculptural profile ideal for display
Cultural Significance
Slipper stirrups evolved in Spanish and later Latin American riding culture, where they became both functional equipment and decorative status pieces. Wealthier riders often commissioned stirrups with ornate casting or engraving, blending European riding equipment with local artistic motifs.
The figural decoration seen here reflects the blending of Indigenous artistic traditions with Colonial metalwork aesthetics, making such pieces evocative examples of cross-cultural craftsmanship in the Americas.
Condition
Very good antique condition with expected age and use wear. Surface scratching, oxidation, and patina are consistent with authentic period use. No major structural damage observed, and both pieces remain solid and display beautifully.
Dimensions (approximate)
Length: 12 in
Width: 5 in
Height: 5.5 in
Age (Approximate)
105–145 years old
Learn More
Learn About Chilean Cultural Heritage Artifacts
Browse Our Collection of Historical Warfare & Exploration Artifacts
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