Antique 1920s Mexican sterling silver bridle with extra large silver repoussé conchos with flowers, silver flower buckles, silver hand shaped connectors uniting the cheeks to the top of the poll, original hand forged sterling silver inlaid and filed curb bit, rein chains, and original poll chain. The hand shaped sterling silver connectors are made in the mano figa configuration. These types of bridles were made for the gentry of Mexican ranchos and likely belonged to a hacendado or citizen of great importance.

“Spanish Symbols

An amulet shape often seen on Spanish bits and spurs is the mano figa or figa en mano, (sometimes called higa) the clenched fist with an extended finger or with the thumb protruding between the first and second fingers. This charm was used to ward off the evil eye. Many of these amulets have been found around Spanish shipwrecks, because they were frequently worn by sailors. Travelers by horseback also sought the same protection by dangling this symbol from their horse trappings. This symbol has a long history dating to the Roman era and even before that to the ancient Etruscans.” excerpt from the book Bits & Spurs - Motifs, Techniques and Modern Makers by Ned and Jody Martin

This is a museum quality piece of historical art of the Americas and is in pristine original condition.