Horse Bridle Ornament (Katanga Njara)
Unknown Artist
19th century or earlier
Medium
Silver or bronze
Dimensions
Length 4-1/2 in.
Classification
Metal-Implements
Culture
Sumba Island
Department
Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Anita E. Spertus and Robert J. Holmgren, in honor of Douglas Newton, 1990
Accession Number
1990.335.8
Art Historical Context
This exquisite Horse Bridle Ornament, as *Katanga Njara*,ails from the vibrant culture of Sumba Island in, dating to the 19th century earlier. Crafted by an unknown artisan, this small yet striking piece—measuring just 4-1/2 inches in length—was designed to adorn the bridle of a horse, reflecting the island's deep-rooted equestrian traditions. On Sumba, horses hold symbolic importance, often linked to nobility, rituals, and status displays during ceremonies, making such ornaments more than functional—they were emblems of prestige and cultural identity. Forged from silver or bronze, the orname...