Bit and Cheek Plaques c. 899

"Bit and Cheek Plaques" are a pair of bronze plaques depicting stylized ibex, likely from a horse's bit and cheek piece. The plaques, dating to c. 899, were created by an anonymous artist and are now housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The stylized animal forms and the decorative details characteristic of the period suggest that these plaques were not only functional but also served as a decorative element for the horse's harness, reflecting the artistry and craftsmanship of the time.