Carved Wooden Stirrup — South America, Spanish Colonial Tradition — 19th Century Lis25etr001

Hand-carved wooden stirrup — South America, Spanish colonial tradition — 19th century — ref. LIS25ETR001

A rare and beautiful hand-carved wooden stirrup shoe, a form of South American equestrian folk art in the Spanish colonial tradition (Peru, Chile, or Argentina), 19th century.

A solid piece carved from a single block of hardwood, featuring a closed “clog” shape that fully protects the rider’s foot—a traditional model worn by gauchos of the Pampas as well as Chilean huasos and Andean horsemen.
All sides are adorned with rich relief carvings: gadroons, stylized geometric and floral motifs, and bands of beads and fluting running the entire length, with particular attention paid to the finely crafted front tip.

The stirrup is suspended from an original leather strap—thick, stitched, and still supple and sturdy—secured by a wrought-iron fitting topped with a suspension ring. Although the leather has developed a patina from use, the entire piece remains very sturdy.

The wood has a beautiful antique patina, with signs of wear consistent with the piece’s age and equestrian use.

A beautiful piece of folk art that remains in good condition considering its age.
The wood is sound, with clear and well-defined carvings on all sides.

Dimensions: approximately 51 x 20 x 16 cm