Pair of Rowel Spurs 18th century Mexican Each of the spurs composing this pair is a tour de force of ironwork. The neck and rowel box, pierced with delicate interlaced motifs, were made with a single piece of iron, as well as the entire heel plate deeply chased on the external side. Only a few very skilled spur makers, mostly working in Mexico City, were able to create such metalwork. The pieces were usually heated several times during their manufacture, giving the metal a shiny aspect meant to imitate silver. This impressive pair of spurs, even slightly less spectacular than some examples made earlier in the century, was nonetheless probably meant to be used during ceremonies and festivals as a mark of status, thereby revealing the importance of horses in traditional Mexican society.. Pair of Rowel Spurs. Mexican. 18th century. Iron alloy. Equestrian Equipment-Spurs