H90.24.1

• spanish

This Spanish period cruciform wrought iron stirrup is a rare find. The style is new world only having come into popular use in Mexico in the early 1700s. Although its use was prohibited by the Royal Presidial Regulations of 1772 for frontier soldiers, it persisted in non-governmental use until 1821 (the end of the Spanish Colonial period). See "Southwestern Colonial Ironwork: The Spanish Blacksmithing Tradition from Texas to California," page 105-110, by Marc Simmons and Frank Turley. "The Regulations stated, 'The use of large stirrups hereafter will be prohibited since these are unsuitable and dangerous.' Undoubtedly what was meant by large stirrups were the heavy iron cruciform stirrups, or estribos de cruz, that had become popular with many classes of riders during the eighteenth century. The cruciform stirrup provides us an unparalleled example of the craftsmanship of the colonial Mexican smith...One common misconception concerning the cruciform stirrup's manufacture should be corrected. Because of its exotic shape and rich ornamentation, practically all writers have assumed and stated that it was cast iron. But close examination of the many specimens preserved reveals that all were forged of wrought iron....With fair certainty, then, we can say that the cruciform stirrup spread throughout New Spain simply because it became the prevailing style. On the whole it was a cumbersome piece of equipment, and neither its excessive weight nor its distinctive shape served any practical function. This showy stirrup appealed to the vanity and pride of the man on horseback whether he rode the deserts of Baja California, the chaparral thickets of south Texas, or the jungles of the Mexican south coast...Decoration by the smith was achieved through carving, stamping, chasing, demascening, piercing to provide openwork, and the application of repousse figures, usually of silver or brass. This work was done with chisels, punches, repousse and chasing tools, and piercing saws, and was often finished by filing...." A letter from Dr. Robert Ryal Miller and an obituary on Dr. Winfield Scott Wellington relate that the original collector was a professor of Decorative Art at UC Berekely, and he used this stirrup as an example in his classes.

Used: Baja California | Mexico | Alta California | Spanish period