“Pampa” Bridle.

Argentina. XIX century.

Beaten, chiseled and burled silver, and silver wire, and leather for adjustment, with deterioration and subsequent restoration. Measurements. Length: 46 cm. (18.11 in.) Width: 32 cm. (13 in.) Weight: 458 gr.

Made with flat silver links, in the center of its head is a flower-shaped medallion; this one with a central half sphere and the petals distributed radially; one smaller, chiselled with the grain of water, smooth the other larger, and thus the entire circle, with its scalloped edges. Its lateral shots, also of links but larger, with its loops to adjust the brake, and upwards, the leather strap that allows it to be attached to the animal's head, with a silver buckle, pin and toe, decorated with the same reason that the rest of the bridle.

The ornamental design of the entire piece responds to the decorative pattern of the pampa silversmithing, with a smooth surface that is barely roughed or chiselled out of water, representing zigzagging rows or lines formed by deeper points made with the burin in a typical work of this style.

Of old production, we observe that it presents some traces of use, and in general it is preserved in good condition, with its damaged leathers.