African, Sahel ? stirrups for ID

colin henshaw · 13th January 2013, 02:01 PM

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.

Iain · 13th January 2013, 03:33 PM

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.

colin henshaw · 14th January 2013, 03:51 PM

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.

Iain · 15th January 2013, 09:13 PM

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.

13th January 2013, 02:01 PM	#1
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	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. Attached Images

13th January 2013, 03:33 PM	#2
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,693	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.

14th January 2013, 03:51 PM	#3
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	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.

15th January 2013, 09:13 PM	#4
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,693	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.