Brass Stirrups (Pair)

Pair of rare brass stirrups from North India. The stirrups are decorated with stylised makaras on either side of the arching straps. The sides and top are etched in decorative geometric patterns.
The stirrup greatly increased the rider's ability to stay in the saddle and control the mount, increasing the animal's usefulness to humans in areas such as communication, transportation and warfare. Some (therefore) argue that the stirrup was one of the basic tools used to create and spread modern civilization, possibly as important as the wheel or printing press.