Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense) 1455 - 1900

This shaffron, or horse's head defense, was crafted around 1493-95 by Romain des Ursins. The steel headpiece is adorned with prominent ears and a central emblem of three upright forks, a visual statement about power, prestige and status. Consider the symbolic weight of the horse itself – a symbol of nobility, strength, and virility throughout history. The forks may allude to the weapon of Neptune, ruler of the seas and of horses, or could simply be the makers mark. We find echoes of this emblem in crests and heraldry across Europe. Think back to ancient Greece, where Poseidon, the god of the sea, was often associated with horses, or to the Roman equestrian statues of emperors, where the horse symbolized imperial power and authority. The emotional impact of this armor is profound; its cold, metallic surface evokes both protection and the brutal realities of warfare. It is a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of conflict and the ways in which humankind continues to find new ways to assert its dominance.