Horse skull with bridle bit

3D Model

Domestic horse (Equus caballus) skull Bridle ring bit Southwestern United States, Navajo UCM 34506 19th century

In the 16th century, Spanish colonists brought horses from Europe, reintroducing them into the deserts and grasslands of western North America. Some Native peoples quickly became master horsemen – developing new ways of riding, controlling, and herding horses. Although it follows the technological tradition of Mexican, Spanish, and Arabian horse equipment, this intricate bridle mouthpiece, known as a bit, was crafted by a Navajo blacksmith. The intricate equipment includes hanging chain tassels that dangled below the horse’s chin (known in Spanish as coscojos), that made a melodic jingling sound when the horse was underway.

Exhibit: https://bit.ly/3p1q7qu