Latin America, South America, Chile, Spanish Colonial period, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A wonderful pair spurs or espuelas from a Chilean cowboy known as a huaso, each displaying a sizable iron rowel, an elaborate silvered steel shank, a nickel silver heel band, 2 silver studs, and a leather strap with a brass buckle. The shanks boast intricate openwork designs of crisscross, heart, and circle motifs, while black niello adorns their base as well as each heel band. The rhomboid terminals of the heel bands are laced with the leather strap for attaching to the foot of the rider. Generally found in Chile's central valley, huasos are an important part of Chilean folkloric culture and play a vital role in parades, fiestas, holidays, and popular music. Size without leather strap (both the same): 11.8" L x 4.1" W x 6" H (30 cm x 10.4 cm x 15.2 cm); with leather strap (similar in size): 13.2" L x 4.1" W x 6" H (33.5 cm x 10.4 cm x 15.2 cm); of rowel: 5.8" Diameter (14.7 cm)

Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection, acquired in the 1960's

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#174262

Bending to tips of some rowel spikes. Natural surface fissures to leather. Otherwise, intact and excellent with rich patina throughout.