Horse Harness Pendants
Among the objects destined for display in Perth’s new museum is a collection of horse harness pendants, all of which needed a little loving attention to get them display-ready. Where lacquer had been applied previously, this was removed first of all. Others were still a little dirty from their years underground, so soil deposits were removed, as well as any corrosion. The pendants were cleaned with delicate tools including glass bristle brushes, which are gently abrasive but easy to control. They were then stabilised and lacquered, to keep them in top condition for years to come.
Horse harness pendants typically date to the 13th or 14th century, though some are much earlier. They were prominently displayed, sometimes being attached to the peytrel on the horse’s chest, and sometimes on the horse’s forehead. Some show recognisable heraldry and were an open display of the rider’s allegiance, but others are simpler, and were probably not connected with nobility. They are usually suspended by a little loop at the top, but others are more substantial.
During the conservation process, we even revealed evidence of gilding (gold leaf) on a few of the pendants.
Can you make out the pendant at this horse’s brow?
From a 14th century French manuscript: https://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/ILLUMIN.ASP?Size=mid&IllID=60634
