African, Sahel ? stirrups for ID
 

Hi

I have these iron stirrups, with chain, that I am posting for ID and comment.
Not exactly a weapon, but probably part of a warriors accoutrements...

My feeling is that they are from the Sahel area somewhere - does anyone recognise this type of ironwork ?

Thanks in advance.

Hi Colin,

I would agree these are from the Sahel, Hausa or Fulani seems likely. Although a similar style is used across the entire region. :)

I've seen more in bronze from the Hausa.

This link may be of interest, although more related to the Mossi.

http://www.saheldesign.com/2012/05/2...asting-method/

They all seem to follow the same pattern, some with an angled plate for the foot, others flat like yours.

I don't know of much reference material on these, just what I've seen labelled on tribal art sites over the years.

Thanks Iain, and for the interesting video link. Ethnographic horse equipment does seem to be an area where there is a bit of a gap in research and reference material.

I once had one of those Sahel brass chamfrons, and now wish I had kept it...

Regards.

I Colin, bit of an obscure collecting area I guess. :) With these I guess the fact that form follows function makes distinguishing them a bit tough.

The chamfrons sound quite neat! I would imagine these items in general are pretty rare as I would guess much fewer were brought back.