Horse's breast strap with gorgoneion

Horse's breast strap with gorgoneion

The prosteridion, the name for the breastplate armour designed to protect the horse’s chest, consists of a large sheet of bronze in the shape of a half-moon with extremely elongated edges. The centre is decorated by a gorgoneion (Gorgon) in relief: the hair on the forehead forms a series of spiral curls at the edges of which are the ears. The upper eyelids of the slanting eyes have a series of engraved marks, while the eyeball and the iris are made of marble. From the lips, opened in a grin, emerges the ivory block of the tongue between four sharp tusks; from the ears to the chin, the face is framed by the wings. To the sides of the gorgoneion there are two symmetrically-arranged butting bulls, which are embossed with engraved details. Along the edges of the armour runs a series of small holes which were used to attach the leather lining to the breastplate armour.