Stirrup

This simple stirrup of Slavic type is said to have been found on the site of Dolkheim, today in Northern Poland.

Horses had great importance in Slavic society, in both its social and religious aspects. Equestrian equipment, like stirrups, spurs and bits, are regularly found in their burials, even after their Christianization, among the goods warriors wanted to bring with them to the afterlife. The elite would sometimes even be accompanied by sacrificed horses, a meaningful practice at that time, considering the high economic value of horses.

Credit: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942