Rowled Snaffle with Cheek Pieces from Iran

This bit dates from the Achaemenid period (539-331 BC) in Persia and was found in Persepolis.

It is made of bronze. The rowled mouth piece is identical to the bit purchased in Islamabad. This must have been capable of tearing a horse’s mouth when pulled.

The rowles would have spun round. They are long since seized up.

Provenance: The drawing was made by C Baldock. 2001.