HEADBOARD

Description The plate is formed by a thin sheet of metal worked in relief, engraved and perforated, which depicts a mask with grotesque human features. The outline of the plate forms a wide arch at the top, while the sides and bottom are hollowed out to allow for precise positioning on the horse's head: the lateral notches, in particular, would surround the ears. Two huge arched eyebrows follow the upper edge and grow volute-like at the root of the nose. This is large, squat, and in strong relief, marked by two pairs of parallel incisions; the nostrils are pierced. The round, protruding eyes have a circular hole in the center. The small mouth, also machined with fretwork, is arched and reveals two rows of blunt teeth. Beneath the strong encrustations, a mustache can be perceived, which falls to the sides of the mouth. Countless small holes open around the outline of the mask, thanks to which it could be sewn onto a leather support.