African, Sahel ? stirrups for ID

[colin henshaw]

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]

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/2012/05/28/making-bronze-stirrups-by-the-lost-wax-casting-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]

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]

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.