Pair of Rowel Spurs

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Pair of Rowel Spurs by Artist Unknown. Two metal spurs with a brown patina, likely made of iron or steel, are shown on a gray background. The spurs have a long, curved neck and a rowel, which is a wheel with radiating points. Each spur has a shank that is curved downward with a small loop at the end. The top spur is positioned at an angle, with the point of the rowel facing to the right. The bottom spur is also angled, with its rowel point facing to the right; it has a small loop and a short piece of metal hanging from it. The rowels have eight points each. The spurs have a textured surface and exhibit signs of wear and rust.