Peruvian Lady's Side Saddle Silver Stirrup c 1920s M2982

Exquisitely hand wrought. Measures 4" x 8" When the Spaniard Conquistadors came to the Americas in the 16th century, reintroducing the horse into areas where horses had become extinct, this slipper or stirrup was used for riding side saddle. Elite women rode their horses side-saddle, to accommodate their full skirts. The leather strap attaching this slipper stirrup to the saddle would have passed through the metal loop at the top. Under the hem of the woman atop the horse, only the glint of the silver would have been visible, a hint of the wealth commanded by its owner.