Wrought iron bit.

Northwest Argentina or Bolivia (¿?) 18th / 19th centuries.

Remarkable wrought iron bit with damascened details. Its legs, articulated and divided into two sections; the upper ones -shorter- with a hole at the end to hold the bridle and between the two, the back chin made of forged links, and the lower ones, with their double curvature and unique decorative work, which are joined by a forged chain as well. in iron that acts as a pontezuela. Its mouth with a more stylized chain, also of iron that accompanies; Kermes oak paths on each side and in the center, the deep, lyre-shaped bridge that contains another kernel, small. Measures. Maximum length: 16.5 cm / 6.5 in. Width: 14 cm / 5.51 in.

Imposing bit made in a forge workshop. Its short beds divided into two sections; the upper ones or arms, rectangular in shape, openwork and with chisel details, and the lower ones or legs, in the shape of an “S”, with swivels for one pair of the reins and a forged hook for the other.

The fretwork and chiselled details qualify this work for its great workmanship, attesting to the existence of high-quality blacksmith workshops. The trade spread throughout America since the arrival of the Europeans and although in the first centuries, the raw material -arrived on the ships- had high cost and strategic value - it was used to forge and replace swords, spear points and other bladed weapons. - The truth is that other tasks were also carried out, such as brakes, spurs, padlocks, latches, keyholes ... And testimonies of remarkable quality have been preserved, such as the present one.

S.O-XIV-OEM