Central Asia and Siberia, Scythian Empire, Saka people, ca. 8th to 2nd century BCE. An extremely rare example of iron horse armor with superb preservation! This Saka Scythian ancient iron horse head armor insert would have been inside a larger leather padded chanfron as seen in images of recreated mounts based on excavations. The cut outs above the middle would have been for the recessed part for the horse's eyes. The flared top was to protect the upper skull and the heavy plate on the lower pointed region would have followed down the nose. There is a slight curvature to this armor plate to better conform to the horse head. The circular impression in the center would have been to secure this internal armor plate the outer layers of padding and leather by means of a rondel affixed to this point. Ancient militaria from the Eastern Saka people of the greater Scythian Empire, is extremely rare and its scarcity in any collection, private or institutional, proves that! Size: 11.75" L (29.8 cm)

The hallmark of the Scythians was their love and dependence on their horses which were outfitted in lavish riding tack even in battle. Very few ancient cultures can come close to the elaborate dress of their warriors and war horses. Numerous excavations and recreations show light armor on their horses and in some cases, chanfrons or horse head armor. The danger of the Scythian cavalry was their speed and agility so weighing the horses down with heavy armor was impractical. The most vulnerable part of the horse was the head as this was the first part most exposed in an attack. Horse armor for the head would have been made up of heavy leather and cloth padding and sometimes, armor plate insert as this rare specimen is. Ancient horse armor is extremely rare, compared to medieval which is far more prevalent. Since this time is early in mounted warfare, the heavy armor that later medieval cavalry would wear had not been developed or employed. Other than small fragments of scale armor, armor that protected the horse's head would be the largest form of horse armor of the period. The ultimate horse armor ancient specimen from one of the greatest mounted armies of the ancient world.

Provenance: ex-private New York collection formed in the 1960's

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#170571

Complete, no repair or restoration. Excellent preservation and heavy dark patina.