Pair Of Algerian Spurs Known As “châbir,” Made Of Silver And Coral, 19th Century

Length: 31.5 cm

A pair of Algerian spurs known as “châbir,” consisting of curved prongs, a high heel guard, and a long, tapered spike.

The metalwork is embellished with applied and inlaid silver. The prongs and barbs are engraved with a design of leafy scrollwork and volutes.

The heel guards, covered with chiseled silver plates, are constructed in two superimposed levels. The upper level is adorned with a floral rosette centered on a red coral cabochon. The lower section, set back, features a second rosette centered on a silver button. Friezes of palmettes, geometric motifs, and heart-shaped forms accentuate this relief design.

Despite their length, the prongs end in rounded, rather than sharp, tips. The loops at the ends of the prongs and the other exposed parts also feature rounded, carefully smoothed edges. At the tip of one of the prongs, the silver inlay has a slight localized raised area.

These spurs were part of high-quality equestrian gear. Their silver and coral decoration made them suitable for wear during ceremonies, parades, or fantasias, though they were also likely used for practical purposes.

A comparable pair of 19th-century Algerian spurs, made of iron inlaid with silver and adorned with cabochons, is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York under inventory number 36.25.546a, b. The museum also holds an Algerian spur made of iron, silver, and coral under accession number 36.25.543.

Condition: very good.

Bibliographic reference:

Anthony C. Tirri, *Islamic Weapons: Maghrib to Moghul*, Indigo Publishing, 2003, fig. 28A, p. 52.